2017-2018 / PSYC5862-1

Animal neuroimaging

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

 Master in psychology (120 ECTS)3 crédits 

Lecturer

Alain Plenevaux

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course is devoted to the discovery of the preclinical imaging research field and more precisely to the in vivo structural and functional neuroimaging in small animals (rats and mice). Three technologies are mainly addressed: positron emission tomography (microPET), microtomodensitometry (microCT and magnetic resonance imaging (microMRI). The technical aspects are briefly explained and "advantage and limitation" are highlighted for each modality. Data processing is also included as well as some practical applications. Some specific statistical processes devoted to imaging and an introduction to the "radiation protection" are also included. The latter is a mandatory prerequisite for clearance of students to access "controlled laboratories" where radioactive isotopes are used.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

The aim of this course is to highlight “advantages and limitations” of the in vivo small animal neuroimaging.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

No prerequisites and no co-requisites

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

Face-to-face learning.

Recommended or required readings

Assessment methods and criteria

The students have to fulfill the following:

  • Perform a limited literature search and select two articles;
  • Prepare a critical report covering the two selected articles;
  • Prepare and perform in front of the other students the oral presentation of one of the two selected articles and answer questions.
The assessment wil rely on:
  • the quality of the report;
  • the oral presentation;
  • the answers to the questions.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

The course is scheduled Tuesday 2pm to 4pm in the CRC B30 meeting room starting 20/09/16.

Contacts

Alain Plenevaux Research director FRS-FNRS Liege University Cyclotron Research Center Allee du 6 août, 8 Sart Tilman B.30 4000 Liege Belgium tél: 32-4-366.2316 fax: 32-4-366.2946 email: alain.plenevaux@ulg.ac.be