Brain and Mind

Overview courses

• Cognitive Neuroscience

  In the first course, students learn how the brain “perceives” the outside world and how this leads to cognitive behavior. This course is a general, basic introduction into brain composition (e.g., cell types), brain structure, brain function, and neuronal communication, after which the biological basis of cognitive processes such as perception, consciousness, language, learning and memory are discussed.

  Note: Due to curriculum overlap, students from Biomedical Sciences and Health and Life Sciences from the VU cannot follow courses in this minor.

  See study guide.

• Genetics of Human Behavior

  Students are introduced to the history of “nature-versus-nurture” research that was based on twin and family studies. They will learn how this question is currently investigated using genetic and epigenetic techniques. Student with familiarize themselves with the latest genome-wide gene-finding studies and results, and will learn how these results translate to state-of-the-art neuroscience research. Students are immersed in this new world of genetic information through discussions and presentations on the ethical aspects of DNA research.

  Note: Due to curriculum overlap, students from Biomedical Sciences and Health and Life Sciences from the VU cannot follow courses in this minor.

• Brain in trouble

  The focus of this course is on the etiology of mental disorders, such as addiction, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and mood disorders, with special attention to the nature-versus-nurture discussion. Various treatment options for these conditions - including the use of pharmacological agents, behavioral therapy, and deep brain stimulation - are elucidated and discussed. Students will be challenged to critically reflect on the boundaries between normality and abnormality and the societal implications.

  Note: Due to curriculum overlap, students from Biomedical Sciences and Health and Life Sciences from the VU cannot follow courses in this minor.

  See study guide.

• The developing brain

  The focus of this course is on phases of brain development that shape the life of individuals over time. The brain performs differently at various ages. Whereas the young brain is very plastic, the aging brain gradually loses its adaptive capacity. Importantly, early and late brain development are affected by specific genetic factors and vulnerable to changes induced by environmental stimuli. These alterations can result in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.

  The course consists of three modules (one week per module), each covering a critical phase of brain development. In module 1, we will focus on early (prenatal) brain development and innovations in stem cell research for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders. In the second module, we will focus on postnatal brain development and how alterations contribute to issues during childhood and adolescence, such as autism, gender identity and schizophrenia. In the last module, we will discuss cognitive decline associated with normal brain aging as well as specific diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

  In addition, students will perform a Science in the Media assignment. Scientific findings are not always accurately covered in mainstream media due to various reasons. The goal of this assignment is that students learn to critically read and evaluate a media coverage of a scientific study, and to present their evaluation of the flaws/strengths of a media article.

  See study guide.

• Mind and Machine

  In the final course, we take one step beyond the brain itself and look at the interaction between mind and machine. We will study the basic principles of artificial intelligence (AI) and brain computer-interfaces (BCI), and discuss current applications in society and associated ethical issues. Students work in groups on a business project to investigate how science meets science fiction by developing a new application of AI and BCI in a product or a service. The entrance level of the course is for students without a background in exact sciences.

  See study guide.

• Video minor Brain & Mind

  Watch the video here.