Summer Semester
Motor Systems
The lecture covers the following learning objectives: To provide in-depth knowledge of the primate motor system (humans and non-human primates), in particular the anatomy and physiology of cortical and subcortical structures, the spinal cord, neuro-muscular activation and its pathological changes. The focus is on mechanisms of movement planning, motor control and the development of brain-machine interfaces. Students will be able to understand and describe important functional principles of the motor system as well as its diseases and interaction possibilities at a high scientific level.
A seminar of the same name is also offered for this lecture.
Winter Semester
From Vision to Action
Prof. Alexander Gail, Prof. Stefan Treue and Prof. Hansjörg Scherberger.
The lecture series From Vision to Action will provide an advanced level introduction to visual processing and action planning in the central nervous system of primates. We will give an overview over the different processing stages along the two major visual processing streams, leading to object perception on the one hand, and providing the basis for spatial movement planning on the other. We will put special emphasis on the discussion of general design and coding principles, like cortical maps, convergence/divergence, center-surround antagonisms, adaptation, gain modulation, distributed processing, synchronization, etc. Additionally, we will discuss how improved knowledge in neuroscience can lead to clinical applications, like visual and motor neuroprosthetics or improved neuropsychological programs.