Exploring the Brain

 The brain is at the center of human behavior. It serves as the body’s control center. It continuously receives a stream of information from both the external environment and the body. This information must be processed and analyzed quickly in order to generate an appropriate response. All of these mechanisms, which at first glance appear complex, are based on simple biological processes.

The EU Brain Exploration initiative aims to uncover how the brain functions. Starting with basic biological knowledge and exploring the fundamental concepts of cellular function, we will deepen our understanding of how our brain works. Functions such as sensory perception, motor skills, memory, and emotions will serve as concrete examples and will be studied in an integrated manner, starting at the molecular level, moving through the cellular level, and culminating in behavior.

To take this course, a basic understanding of biology is expected (high school level). Knowing what a cell is and its composition provides a good foundation.

Recommended prerequisites*: a scientific mindset and a desire to learn more about how the brain works.

2 ongoing assessments (50% of the final grade) + a final exam (50%)

Part 1: What Is the Brain?

4th and 5th Grade: What Is the Brain (I) and (II)? (Different types of cells. Nerve signals)

CM3: Development/Evolution of the Nervous System (Comparative Anatomy in Vertebrates)

TD1A / TD1B: Analysis of Scientific Articles – Methodology (How to Read and Analyze Scientific Articles)

TD2: Neuroanatomy/Methods and Techniques

Part 2: How does the brain integrate different sensory inputs?

Grades 4–5: Somatosensory Perception (I) and (II)

CM6: Hearing System

CM7: Visual System

CM8: Taste System

TD3: Olfactory System

Part 3: How Does the Brain Generate Behavior?

CM9: Motor System and Motor Skills (Motor System, SNP, Reflexes)

CM10: Language (Articulated Language in Humans, Communication in Animals)

CM11: Emotions/Regulation of the Autonomic Nervous System.

TD4: Emotions/Regulation of the Autonomic Nervous System

Part 4: How Is the Brain System Modulated by Internal States and the Environment?

CM12: Wakefulness/Sleep/Consciousness

CM13: Memory/Learning

CM14: Pharmacology

TD5 A / TD5B: Neuropathology

TD6: Pharmacology -

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 9:30 p.m.

            TD: 12:00 p.m.

Coordinator*: Julien ROUSSEL / Zoé HUSSON

Administrative contact(s):

julien.roussel @ umontpellier.fr

zoe.husson @ umontpellier.fr