Institute of Molecular Psychiatry

  • Director: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Andreas Zimmer
  • University of Bonn
  • Venusberg-Campus 1, Bldg. 76
  • 53127 Bonn

Master program

MSc Neurosciences Wahlplichtpraktikum:
Neuromodulators in Animal Behavior (WPP 13)

Lecturer/Supervisor

Prof. Dr. A. Zimmer, PD Dr. A. Bilkei-Gorzo, Dr. A. Schmöle, Dr. C. Nozaki, Dr. E. Drews, Dr. B. Schürmann

Date

TBA

Location

Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Life & Brain, 2nd floor

Type of course

Block course, lectures, seminars and guided practical work

Language of instruction

English

Aims

This module is centered on the question of how neuromodulators influence brain function at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels. Complex animal behaviors will be comprehensively analyzed from the behavioral to the cellular and molecular level, thus introducing students into concepts, approaches and modern methods in behavioral genetics. The module will address the potential and limitations of genetically manipulated mice in the study of gene functions. Students will thus learn to appreciate the potential and limitations of genetic mouse models for human psychiatric diseases.

Contents

• Basic methods in the genetic manipulation of mice
• Analysis of mouse behaviors - experimental design, video analysis, telemetry, statistical methods
• Neuropharmacology, from basic concepts (agonists, antagonists, inverse agonists, allosteric modulators etc.) to the practical evaluation of drug responses
• Analysis of neuronal activity using immediate early genes
• Transcriptional changes in the behaving animal – expression profiling using microarrays and real-time PCR

Requirements for participation

First university degree from one of the following areas: Biology, Medicine, Pharmacy, Psychology, Chemistry, Physics, Biotechnology or a related course of study.

Capacity

Max. 6 participants

Form of testing and examination

Written test report and final oral presentation

Links

http://www.meb.uni-bonn.de/neurosciences

Wahlplicht-Modul: Cellular and Behavioral Genetics (WPM 4)

Lecturer/Supervisor

Prof. Dr. A. Zimmer, PD Dr. A. Bilkei-Gorzo, Dr. A. Krämer, Dr. A. Schmöle, Dr. C. Nozaki, Dr. E.Drews, Dr. B. Schürmann

Date

TBA

Location

Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Life & Brain, 2nd floor

Type of course

Block course, lectures, seminars and guided practical work

Language of instruction

English

Aims

Knowledge about the neurobiological and genetic basics of selected behavior and modern behavioral and genetic methods of investigation. Insight in the possibilities and limitations of genetic animal experiments. Referring to this, complex genetic mechanisms and methods of investigation will be developed.

Contents

- Molecular biology of neuromodulating systems, genetic control of behavior
- Behavioral pharmacology; profile of expressions; interaction between genes
- Environment; immediate-early gene for the identification of neuronal activity
- Receptor pharmacology in vitro and in vivo

Requirements for participation

First university degree from one of the following areas: Biology, Medicine, Pharmacy, Psychology, Chemistry, Physics, Biotechnology or a related course of study.

Capacity

Max. 6 participants

Form of testing and examination

Seminar talk, protocol, final oral exam

Links

http://www.meb.uni-bonn.de/neurosciences