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Abstract

Course description: The course provides a basic understanding of where (anatomy) in the brain what (physiology) happens. It is of particular value for those students whose background is mainly in a mind science such as linguistics, philosophy, or economics. Qualification aims: Participating students will learn about the fundamental units of brain anatomy, such as lobes, areas, columns etc. A special emphasis will be put on structure function relationship, i.e., which brain area is responsible for which aspect of brain function. It will be explained how brain areas interact, and what theories exist about bringing together aspects of information from different brain areas into one percept or thought (binding). The physiology part of the course will address fundamentals of neuronal functioning, interaction of neurons, neurotransmission, and will provide an understanding of neurovascular coupling, a basis of themost important functional neuroimaging method, fMRI.Course components: This course intends to provide basic knowledge about brain structure (anatomy) and function (physiology). This comprises: (a) Labelling of brain lobes, cytoarchitectonically defined brain areas, microscopical cortical architecture, structure-function relationship of brain areas, (b) Function of neuron, groups of neurons, neuronal networks. role of neurotransmitters, anatomical distribution of neurotransmitter, Neurovascular coupling as basis of functional magnetic resonance imaging. This course addresses the following Mind and Brain research topics: Topic 1: Conscious and unconscious perception Topic 2: Decision-makingTopic 3: Language Topic 4: Brain plasticity and lifespan ontogeny Topic 5: Brain disorders and mental dysfunction.