https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/AM_1217The course Neuron-Glia interactions aims to go beyond the neuron-only view on functioning of the brain. Glial cells are as numerous as neurons and have traditionally been viewed to support neuronal functions, however, research of the last 2 decades suggests that glial cells may do more than just supporting neuronal function. In fact, for the past few years it has become evident that the functioning of the brain can be understood only if the interaction of all cell types, i.e. neurons and glial cells, is understood. This is a new understanding that is only slowly becoming part of textbooks. The aim of this ‘Neuron-Glia interactions’ course is to go educate MSc students in the contemporary insights on cellular processes that underlie brain function. At the end of this course you will be able to:explain the cellular characteristics of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia cells. explain the functional role of the different glia cell types in the central nervous system. describe the current view on the implication of glia cell in different brain disorders, e.g. psychiatric, mood and neurodegenerative disorders. analyze how landmark Neuroscience papers (in the Glia field) are generated and composed. construct a research proposal (on a Glia research project).This course builds on existing knowledge, obtained from BSc and early MSc education, on neurobiology at the molecular, cellular and physiological level. Lectures from glia research expert from different universities will provide MSc students the required basic insight on neuron-glia interactions, which forms a frame work for later parts in the course were we will focus on thorough analysis of landmark papers in the Glia field, followed by the design and writing of a research proposal on Neuron-Glia interactions in health or disease.Lectures, supervised workgroups and individual assignments, self-study.The grading procedure will be as follows:Grade of the contribution to workgroups on paper analyses: 10% Grade of research project presentation: 10% Research proposal: 30% Final exam (lecture content): 50%The grades for the Research proposal and Final exam cannot compensate for each other and should both be at least 5.5. The final grade needs to be at least 5.5 to pass. For students that do not pass, one re-exam will be available. Participation in all workgroups is obligatory. Attending the lectures is highly recommended.Required literature (research papers) will be provided at the start of the course.This course is for 2nd year VU Master Neurosciences students. Students with another background, please first contact the coordinator.There is a maximum number of students (20). This means that students other than the target group should first contact the coordinator.This course builds on existing knowledge, obtained from BSc and early MSc education, on neurobiology at the molecular, cellular and physiological level.