Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (research)

The four track-specific courses of the B-track focus on the neurobiology as well as the function and evolution of behaviour.

Track Mentor: Prof. Meerlo, https://www.rug.nl/staff/p.meerlo

Bachelor-Master connections: Biology or other Bachelor in Life Sciences with a substantial neuroscience component.

Content: Neurobiological, physiological, and developmental processes are crucial to understand the evolution, function, causation and development of behaviour. Exploring these fields will provide insights in brain circuitry and processes driving human and animal behaviour. Courses in the B-track cover chronobiology (i.e., the rhythms of life, from molecular mechanisms to behavioural output), evolution of behaviour (development, causation, evolution and adaptive significance), neuroendocrinology, physiology and behaviour (e.g., brain-periphery interactions, energy balance, eating disorders), and neurobiology of behaviour (e.g., neural mechanisms in neuroethology, human speech and birdsong). Altogether training in the B-track prepares students for a future research career in the field of Behavioural neurosciences.

B-track Curriculum information, representative papers, research projects, & literature. This information is provided to give an impression of the content of the track. It is not required to study this prior to the start of the programme.

* B-track specific and general c

The C-track focuses on cognitive processes and their implementation through neural mechanisms at the systems-level.

Track Mentor: Track Mentor: Dr. Tassos Sarampalis, https://www.rug.nl/staff/a.sarampalis

Bachelor-Master connections: Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience (e.g., Psychology, Artificial Intelligence, Human Movement Sciences).

Content: By characterising and modelling the functional and neural implementation of cognitive processes, a fundamental understanding of both the workings of the healthy brain and mind can be achieved, and of how cognitive functioning breaks down in case of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Courses in the C-track offer knowledge and hands-on training in advanced statistical analyses, EEG and fMRI methods, cognitive modelling, and cognitive neuropsychiatry. In addition, students execute two research projects in which they can pursue and develop their interests and research skills. Altogether, training in the C-track prepares students for a future research career in the field of cognitive neurosciences.

C-track Curriculum information, representative papers, research projects, and background literature.

* C-track specific and general curriculum information: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/60615-5542?legacy=true

Representative research links: Behavioural and Social Sciences: https://research.rug.nl/en/organisat

The track-specific courses focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie neuronal development, function, and communication, as well as clinical/neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Track Mentor: Dr. Susanne Kooistra, https://www.rug.nl/staff/s.m.kooistra

Bachelor-Master connections: (Molecular) Medicine, Biomedical Sciences.

Content: Investigating these molecular and cellular pathways contributes to understanding the neuronal basis of cognition and behaviour and is essential for the development of strategies to detect, treat or even prevent neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Courses in the N-track cover the anatomy of the nervous system, neurotransmission and transduction cascades, neurophysiology, stem cell biology, protein homeostasis and quality control, neuropathology, neuropharmacology and neuroinflammation. Students engage in diverse research projects that range from basic research in simple model systems to translational studies in clinical departments but ultimately share a common interest in addressing neuroscience-related research questions at the molecular and cellular level. Altogether, the N-track master prepares students for a future research career in molecular and biomedical (or clinical) neurosciences.

N-track Curriculum information, representative papers, research projects, and background literature. This information is provided