Zebrafish are being used increasingly as animal models in neuro-behavioural and neuro-endocrine research.
Reasons for this are the low costs, easy maintenance and a well-defined genome, among others. Given this, zebrafish now replace mice in many paradigms. While this may be valid from one perspective, zebrafish are clearly different from mammals: they are ectothermic rather than endothermic, their nervous system is organised differently, they have a duplicated genome and their behaviour is tailored to an aquatic environment rather than a terrestrial environment. Therefore, it is relevant and timely to address questions on the ins and outs of gene, brain and behaviour research in zebrafish.
Which topics will be discussed? Crucial to the success of using zebrafish as research models is understanding the unique properties of zebrafish. Therefore the following topics will be addressed during the course: the phylogenetic position of zebrafish; duplicated genome of zebrafish; neuro-anatomy including the nervous system's remarkable plasticity; social (shoaling and interaction) and non-social (anxiety, fear, reward-related) behaviour of zebrafish; neuro-endocrinology (related to stress and metabolism); development from the larval to the adult stage; the 'ecology' of zebrafish ('the wild and the lab'). State-of- the-art techniques will be discussed and demonstrated to unravel and understand gene, brain and behaviour relationships in zebrafish.
How do we achieve an optimal learning environment? During the course you will take part in interactive lectures, practicals with state-of-the-art techniques and small discussion parties to optimise interaction between lecturers and attendants and among attendants. We welcome topics for small discussion parties from attendants before the start of the course.
Learning outcome
After this course you are able to:
- Address pros and cons of using zebrafish as models in brain and behaviour research
- Understand zebrafish brain and behavior
- Understand zebrafish genetics
- Understand zebrafish neuro-endocrinology
Entry level:
• Advanced bachelor
• Master
• PhD
• Postdoc
• Professional
For whom is this course designed
This course is designed for master's students and researchers who are currently working or are planning to start working with Zebrafish in the field of gene, brain and behaviour.
Admission requirements
We expect basic knowledge and skills in interpreting and running experiments in the field of gene, brain and behaviour.
Admission documents
• Master, PhD, Postdoc, Professional: none
• Advanced bachelor: CV and short motivation letter
please sent it to radboudsummerschool@ru.nl
Dates
Monday 14 August - Friday 18 August 2017 (one week)
Course leader
Prof. Gert Flik
Head of department
Organismal Animal Physiology Radboud University
Dr. R. van den Bos
Organismal Animal Physiology
Faculty of Science
Radboud University
Course fee
€ 550
The course fee includes the registration fee, course materials, access to library and IT facilities, coffee/tea, lunch, and a number of social activities.
Discounts
€ 495 early bird - deadline 1 April 2017 (10%)
€ 468 partner + RU discount (15%)
€ 413 early bird + partner discount (25%)
Number of EC
2 ECTS
More information: radboudsummerschool@ru.nl
For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://www.ru.nl/radboudsummerschool/courses/2017/zebrafish-models-biomedical-research-focus-gene/