The purpose of this course is to enable doctoral students and other participants to gain an understanding of the major neuroinflammatory diseases and the key players involved, including the interaction between the central nervous and immune systems. An additional purpose is that those who participate in the course learn to understand critical aspects of creating and using experimental systems to model neuroinflammatory diseases.

The course is offered full time, Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00 at the Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM) on Karolinska University Hospital, campus Solna, building L8, lecture hall and seminar rooms.

This course is given jointly by the doctoral programmes Allergy, immunology and inflammation (Aii) and Neuroscience (Neuro

Developmental biology lies at the heart of an effort to understanding complex biological systems. By studying how neural circuits are assembled we can extrapolate key aspects of their function as well as devise strategies for their repair. This course is given to deepen the understanding of how molecular and cellular mechanisms underlie neurobiological function and to widen the horizon of students within the strong Karolinska neuroscience community.

The course is given in collaboration with the Master's Programme in Biomedicine.

This is a full time course given in person at Biomedicum, Campus Solna.

Link to course evaluation

https://survey.ki.se/Report/5biVHpOK5wg

Experimental neuroscience is key to progress in the understanding of how the brain functions. The experimental toolbox for studies in rodents is currently without comparison, allowing detailed investigation of how the brain is built and the function of brain circuits. Technological advances also make it possible to directly connect neurons and circuits to behaviour. 

In the Brain Circuits course, students will meet international and KI neuroscientists who have made significant contributions to the study and understanding of neuronal circuits and behaviour. The development and application of novel technologies and analysis (high-density electrophysiology and imaging of single-neuron activity, optogenetics, behavioural tracking, machine learning etc) will be covered, with a focus on advances using transgenic rodents. We have a strong emphasis on engaging junior neuroscientists in the course and on creating a network for future neuroscience leaders.

This course is given in collaboration with the Master's Programme in Biomedicine.

The purpose of the course is for participants to gain knowledge concerning genetics, molecular mechanisms as well as clinical features and treatment strategies of neurodegenerative disorders.

This course is given in collaboration with the Master's Programme in Biomedicine.

We will investigate mainly fish brains, but also some invertebrate model systems to get on overview of the major differences in neuronal organization between them. Sensory and motor pathways will be compared and pathways will be traced from primary sensory centres through higher integrative centres to motor command areas.

Topic 1: Pharmacologically relevant signalling pathways
Topic 2: Drugs for the treatment of pain: local anaesthetics, opioids
Topic 3: Drugs influencing vigilance: hypnotics, general anaesthetics
Topic 4: Treatment of psychiatric diseases: antipsychotics, antidepressants
Topic 5: Drugs of abuse: opioids, cannabinoids
Topic 6: Neurodegenerative disorders
Methods 1: Drug mechanisms and signalling in neurons
Methods 2: Modulation of neurotransmitter release in brain slices
Methods 3: Standard behavioural tests in drug development - pharmaceutical industry
Methods 4: Development of innovative drugs – gene and cell therapies
Methods 5: Regulatory Affairs

Methodology and Theory of Cognitive Neuroscience:

• Psychology: what makes it a science?
• Experimental strategies: psychophysiology, neuropsychology
• Philosophical implications of cognitive neurosciences

Cognitive Neuroscience: main findings on brain-function relationships

Clinical Neurophysiology and Imaging:

• Electroencephalography (EEG) as a neurodiagnostic tool
• Advanced methods of EEG analysis: coherence, fast Fourier, non-linear and other analysis
• Structural and functional brain imaging as neurodiagnostic tools

Experimental Psychophysiology:

• Electrophysiology: event-related potentials, non-invasive and invasive
• Magnetic resonance tomography: functional neuroimaging (fMRI)

Clinical Neuropsychology:

• Neuropsychological assessment
• Cortical electrostimulation
• WADA test

6. Experimental Neuropsychology

• Animal models of behavioural deficits in epilepsy