English

This course includes electrophysiological recordings (patch-clamp recordings) of neurons in acute brain slices from mice. The basic properties of neurons and their synaptic connections are analyzed. The patch-clamp technique (current and voltage-clamp), neuropharmacology, and stimulation protocols for long-term changes in synapses are taught as methods. Programs such as IGOR are used for the quantitative analysis of the data. In the accompanying seminar, the students present their own project and other relevant publications.

Cities around the world face rapid changes in their transportation systems with the advances in ICTs. Recent trends include on-demand and shared mobility modes and automation in public and private transportation systems; these new solutions impact the transport industry, infrastructures management, as well as political agenda. Focusing on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), a new “Smart Mobility” system and real-time network management have been developed as potential solutions to mitigate congestion issues and improve network efficiency.
This course brings a general overview of sustainable and smart transportation in the future smart cities in terms of i) industry trends, business models, technical, and urban design aspects. Based on different European case studies especially in Germany, this program explores innovative methods which Smart cities are currently dealing with as well as future solutions. The course combines theoretical and practical learning materials for transportation modeling and simulation techniques, with a focus on Smart Mobility and ITS solutions and real-world applications. Students review the most well-known traffic simulation models, learn about demand forecasting methods, business, social, and political issues and related analytical techniques. The course examines the concept of smart mobilities and how their business models could grow by analyzing case studies and companies. The course requires students to have basic knowledge of the fundamentals of mathematics and statistics as a prerequisite.

Authoritarian populist parties hold power in Hungary and Poland and have gained significant support in countries as diverse as France, Italy, and Germany. But what is populism? Is it part of a historical trend or is it markedly new? Does populism speak for "the people" or is it a danger to democracy? Is the rise of populism irresistible or can liberal democracies react to this challenge? The course takes a look at competing ideas of populism before evaluating the causes of the recent growth of populism in Europe and the United States. The course analyzes explanations which highlight economic causes, cultural backlash, and elite manipulation. The course concludes by looking at strategies which liberal democracies might use to respond to populism.