ZOOL412 Neurobiology and Behaviour

Overview

Examination of neural basis of perception and behaviour in animals. Advantages and limitations of a simple systems approach for studying brain function.

All nervous systems, including ours, have evolved from simpler nervous systems that appeared around 540 million years ago. Therefore, studying simpler nervous systems (e.g. of insects) facilitates our understanding of more complex nervous system (e.g. of humans). We will review classical and modern neuroethological approaches. And students will train their scientific skills by building and analyzing neural networks (no coding experience required) and performing behavioral experiments in insects.

About this paper

Contact

zoology@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Dr Paul Szyszka

Dr Bart Geurten

Paper Structure

Taught in small group tutorials. We discuss key publications and learn how to create simple computer models of neural systems. The paper is 100% internally assessed (based on annotated bibliographies, lab book entries, and short reports about the experimental work).

Textbooks

Textbooks are not required for this paper.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

• Neurobiology and Behaviour students will understand how neurons and neural networks function and how they generate perception and behaviour.
• Students will gain insight into computational, physiological and behavioural approaches to study nervous system function, animal behaviour and learning.
• Students will be able to apply critical thinking, scientific rigour and a systematic approach to biological problems, particularly, but not solely, in the area of animal behaviour and its neural basis.

Timetable

Overview

Examination of neural basis of perception and behaviour in animals. Advantages and limitations of a simple systems approach for studying brain function.

All nervous systems, including ours, have evolved from simpler nervous systems that appeared around 540 million years ago. Therefore, studying simpler nervous systems (e.g. of insects) facilitates our understanding of more complex nervous systems (e.g. of humans). We will review classical and modern neuroethological approaches. Additionally, students will train their scientific skills by building and analysing neural networks (no coding experience required) and performing behavioral experiments with insects.

About this paper

Contact

zoology@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Dr Paul Szyszka

Dr Bart Geurten

Paper Structure

Taught in small group tutorials. We discuss key publications and learn how to create simple computer models of neural systems and how to design and perform behavioural experiments. The paper is 100% internally assessed (based on a data analysis and statistics report (will be practised with a formative, non-graded sample report), research project report, and an expression of interest for Marsden grant proposal).

Textbooks

Textbooks are not required for this paper.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop scientific research skills and academic writing to a professional standard

2. Develop critical and reflective thinking, especially in the domain of neuroscience

3. Gain a deep understanding of neural circuits and their components

4. Gain practical experience with the advantages and limitations of computer models

5. Gain practical experience with building your own equipment and setups

6. Work individually to source information and to communicate knowledge and ideas effectively in writing and verbally

Timetable