The course is devoted to describe how the brain develops and then functions to perceive the external world and learn from our experiences. Thus, this course aims for a causal and mechanistic explanation of brain functions that depend on two key players: the external world of course but also our internal states, of which the microbiota is an important component.
The first goal of the course is to gain a detailed understanding of the structure and function of the fundamental building blocks of the mammalian brain. The second goal is to understand how a given neural stem cell could give raise to fully organized brain circuits. The third goal is to bring you to the fascinating world into which groups of neurons work together as interconnected neural cells. The fourth goal is to approach neuronal disorders as consequences of brain circuit dysfunctions. We are going to consider what happens when the brain goes wrong with dramatic consequences for the individual and society as a whole. The fifth goal places the brain inside a body interacting both with the external world and the internal state.
Each week of the course consists of four video-lectures, each lasting from 10 to 15 minutes.
We would like to thank Alicia LEFEBVRE for her painting "Nature vivante." that illustrates this page.