Course detail

Applied Neurosciences

FEKT-MPA-APNAcad. year: 2026/2027

The aim of this course is to serve as a practical introduction to neuroscience, from the basic biophysics of neurons to fundamentals of systems neuroscience, with an emphasis on modern neurological diagnostic and treatment methods. The lecture series begins with introducing the nervous system and the fundamentals of how it can be measured or altered via interventions. The second part of the course focuses on specific topics in neurological diseases with details on the current state of the art and emerging treatment methods which exploit neuromodulation techniques.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Entry knowledge

No prior knowledge is required for this course.  

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course 

Assessment: 

  • Laboratory exercises – 50 points

  • Final exam – 50 points

 

Aims

Not applicable.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain, Fourth Edition by Mark F. Bear, Barry W. Connors, Michael A. Paradiso (2015) (EN)

Recommended reading

The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons, Sam Kean (2014) (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme MPA-BTB Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
  • Programme MPCN-BTB Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme MPAN-BIO Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

  • Programme MPCN-BIO Master's

    specialization MPC-BIO_TECH , 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1) Introduction to functional neuroanatomy: the central and peripheral nervous system

2) Brain imaging techniques and electrophysiology

3) Clinical neurostimulation: noninvasive and invasive approaches

4) The autonomic nervous system and the role of the vagus nerve

5) Pain: mechanisms and treatments

6) Epilepsy: diagnostic and treatment methods

7) Sleep

8) Psychiatric and affective disorders and their bioelectrical treatment

9) Neurodegenerative disorders and modern treatment methods

10) Learning, memory, cognition

11) Visual and auditory disorders and treatment with neuroprosthetic devices

12) Computational neuroscience: brain activity modelling 

Laboratory exercise

26 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1-2) Neural recording in insect models

3-4) Noninvasive brain stimulation laboratory: TMS, motor threshold and EMG response

5-6) Electroencephalography laboratory: Event related (de)synchronization, oscillatory power

7-8) Noninvasive electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves

9-10) MRI laboratory: measurement of structural and functional brain imaging data

11-12) Functional MRI data processing and analysis

 

Individual preparation for laboratories

38 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Individual preparation for a final exam

30 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

Each laboratory has a corresponding detailed protocol script, describing the scientific background and practical methods related to the laboratory. Familiarization with these study materials prior to the actual laboratory class period is highly recommended!