2019-2020 / BIOL0857-1

Behavioural neuroscience and animal cognition

Duration

18h Th, 12h Pr

Number of credits

 Master in biology of organisms and ecology (120 ECTS)3 crédits 

Lecturer

André Ferrara, Jean-Christophe Plumier, Gilles Vandewalle

Coordinator

Jean-Christophe Plumier

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The course is divided in three theorical and practical parts:
1. Introduction to neurosciences


  • Neuroanatomy of three animal models in research: drosophila, zebrafish, mouse.
  • Techniques: observation, telemetry, electrophysiology, optogenetic, neuroimaging.
  • Neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness.
 2. Neurobiology of feeling
This part deals with a few behaviors (fear, agression, ...) and descibes some cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. The analysis and the presentation of research articles by the students during the course will allow a better understanding of the course content.
3. Methodological introduction to the study of learning and animal cognition
In 2019/20, this part of the course will discuss in detail a learning paradigm of learning and memory conventionally used in behavioral neuroscience laboratories. Our objectives will be to identify the advantages and limitations of this type of approach by comparing several typical research articles.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

This course aims at introducing theorical and methodological bases to specialized domains in neurosciences (Motivation biopsychology, learning and memory, cognition and emotion dysfunctioning). Specific courses addressing these matters are proposed to Bloc 2 master students.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

It is useful to know the bases in cell physiology and neurobiology. However, these notions will be reviewed before addressing issues specific to neurosciences and experimental psychology.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Theorical course, oral presentation by the students, neuroimaging preclinical research demonstration

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

The theorical course is offered during the first quadrimestre. Participation to practicals is mandatory.

Recommended or required readings

./.

Assessment methods and criteria

The evaluation is based on written personnal works. foloow-up meetings are offered to hemlp students during the first quadrimester. A pre-manuuscript can be evaluated in december, if students ask for it. The final manuscript has to be submitted during the exam session.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Practical course at B30. Neuroimaging preclinic research demonstration.

Contacts

Jean-Christophe Plumier, Ecophysiologie et physiologie animale, Bât B22, chemin de la vallée 4, 4000 Liège E-mail: JC.Plumier@uliege.be/ Tel: 3843
Gilles Vandewalle, GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre/In Vivo Imaging, Sleep Research Group, Bât B30, 8 allée du VI août, 4000 Liège E-mail: gilles.vandewalle@uliege.be / Tel: 2367
André Ferrara, Psychologie de l'apprentissage et cognition animale. ULiège, FPLSE, Quartier Agora / Place des Orateurs 2 (Bât. B32). E-mail: a.ferrara@uliege.be / Tel.: 04/366.22.32

Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the May-June 2020 session

Teaching methods implemented : distance-learning

Assessment subjects

Assessment methods

Contacts

Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the Aug-Sept 2020 session

Assessment subjects

Assessment methods

The evaluation is based on written personnal works. foloow-up meetings are offered to hemlp students during the first quadrimester. A pre-manuuscript can be evaluated in december, if students ask for it. The final manuscript has to be submitted during the exam session.

Contacts