Neurophysiology and Neuroanatomy (WiTerm 2024/25)

The course provides a basic understanding of where (anatomy) in the brain what (physiology) happens. It is of particular value for those students whose background is mainly in a “mind” science such as linguistics or philosophy. Participating students will learn about the fundamental units of brain anatomy, such as lobes, areas, columns, etc. A special emphasis will be put on structure function relationship, i.e., which brain area is responsible for which aspect of brain function. It will be explained how brain areas interact, and what theories exist about bringing together aspects of information from different brain areas into one percept or thought (binding). The physiology part of the course will adress fundamentals of neuronal functioning, interaction of neurons, neurotransmission, and will provide an understanding of neurovascular coupling, a basis of the most important functional neuroimaging method, fMRI.