https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/AB_1299Learning objectives:The student can list the different organelles in neurons and glia and explain what their main function is. The student can describe the different stages of neural development and summarize the most essential cellular processes herein. The student can explain why and how neurons are polarized and give examples of cell biological challenges neurons face and how these are met. The student can describe how synapses are organized and can interpret essential experiments and literature that has contributed to these discoveries. The student can classify the different types of glia in the brain and define which physiological role they play in the brain. The student can describe how neuronal and glial metabolic functions are integrated to support brain function. The student can describe the relevant techniques and model systems used in the field (such as single-cell RNA sequencing, stem cell models and animal models) and can interpret how these are used to study neuronal and glial function. The student can evaluate essential contributions of a selected scientist to their field and analyze and interpret experiments that lead to the discovery. The student can effectively communicate a given scientific discovery to a broad audience through a written communication and through creation of an informative (video) presentation.To gain insight into the importance of cellular processes in neurons and glia cells. Topics will include: organelle transport, axon specification and synapse formation, secretory pathways, inflammation and reactive states and neuron-glia coupling and metabolism. Additionally, students will be introduced to new technologies used to study neuronal and glia cell biology, such as CRISPR-screens, live cell imaging, and various -omics approaches.Lectures (50hrs) Workgroups (40hrs) Presentations (40hrs) Self-study (38hrs)Exam 80% (MC questions on lectures), Student presentations 20% (in English). Both components need to be at least 5.5 or higher in order to pass the course.This programme is tailored for third-year BSc students in the life sciences, and students from Biomedical Science or Health and Life Science tracks can register directly. Students from other studies or universities need to send a brief CV with a grade list to the course coordinator Dr. Rik van der Kant before registration.Course is part of the Minor Neurosciences.