Biological Sciences

The course Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience presents an overview of the core topics in cognitive and biological psychology. These topics include (human) perception, learning, memory, planning, problem solving, reasoning, language, speech, and action. Both the functional and neuroanatomical foundations of cognitive faculties are addressed. Several models of cognition and theories of brain function that are of relevance to knowledge engineering are outlined. Several skills trainings are given to train understanding in biological functioning of neuronal communication and functioning of neural networks and genetic algorithms.

This course examines how complex multicellular systems are constructed using both animal and plant systems in a comparative way that reveals common strategies and striking contrasts. It covers the multidisciplinary nature of approaches used, including classical embryology, biochemistry, genetics, transcriptomics, live-imaging, cell biology, physiology and computer simulation. Topics include fundamental concepts, morphogens, establishing body axes, cell polarity, differentiation and commitment, evolution in the context of development, mechanics and morphogenesis with examples from model systems, stem cells and cancer. Practical work includes experiments addressing gene expression, organ identity and homeotic conversions, and uses CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to demonstrate approaches to the study of developmental biology. 

Lectures and seminars cover reproductive and vegetative development, genome analysis and gene regulation, light and hormone signaling, environmental stress & disease, and applied plant biotechnology. Laboratory exercises cover plant development, anatomy and mutants, transgenics and genotyping, gene cloning, DNA and protein bioinformatics and model organism genome databasing, and protein expression.

This course offers a comprehensive understanding of how pathogens emerge, evolve and spread as well as an insight into the cutting-edge tools applied in their study and measures for their control. The course moves from pathogen-related genetic factors that enable pathogens to adapt to new hosts or acquire antibiotic resistance that make them so difficult to treat, through to ecological and host factors such as intensive agriculture, and climate change that bring us in to contact with new diseases.