Wolfger von der Behrens: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2018

Name Dr. Wolfger von der Behrens
Address
Professur für Neurotechnologie
ETH Zürich, Y55 G 54
Winterthurerstrasse 190
8057 Zürich
SWITZERLAND
Telephone+41 44 633 80 82
E-mailvwolfger@ethz.ch
URLhttps://services.ini.uzh.ch/people/wolfger
DepartmentInformation Technology and Electrical Engineering
RelationshipLecturer

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
227-1037-00LIntroduction to Neuroinformatics Information 6 credits2V + 1UV. Mante, M. Cook, B. Grewe, G. Indiveri, D. Kiper, W. von der Behrens
AbstractThe course provides an introduction to the functional properties of neurons. Particularly the description of membrane electrical properties (action potentials, channels), neuronal anatomy, synaptic structures, and neuronal networks. Simple models of computation, learning, and behavior will be explained. Some artificial systems (robot, chip) are presented.
ObjectiveUnderstanding computation by neurons and neuronal circuits is one of the great challenges of science. Many different disciplines can contribute their tools and concepts to solving mysteries of neural computation. The goal of this introductory course is to introduce the monocultures of physics, maths, computer science, engineering, biology, psychology, and even philosophy and history, to discover the enchantments and challenges that we all face in taking on this major 21st century problem and how each discipline can contribute to discovering solutions.
ContentThis course considers the structure and function of biological neural networks at different levels. The function of neural networks lies fundamentally in their wiring and in the electro-chemical properties of nerve cell membranes. Thus, the biological structure of the nerve cell needs to be understood if biologically-realistic models are to be constructed. These simpler models are used to estimate the electrical current flow through dendritic cables and explore how a more complex geometry of neurons influences this current flow. The active properties of nerves are studied to understand both sensory transduction and the generation and transmission of nerve impulses along axons. The concept of local neuronal circuits arises in the context of the rules governing the formation of nerve connections and topographic projections within the nervous system. Communication between neurons in the network can be thought of as information flow across synapses, which can be modified by experience. We need an understanding of the action of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, so that the dynamics and logic of synapses can be interpreted. Finally, the neural architectures of feedforward and recurrent networks will be discussed in the context of co-ordination, control, and integration of sensory and motor information in neural networks.
227-1039-00LBasics of Instrumentation, Measurement, and Analysis (University of Zurich) Restricted registration - show details
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding module directly at UZH.
UZH Module Code: INI502

Mind the enrolment deadlines at UZH:
Link

Registration in this class requires the permission of the instructors. Class size will be limited to available lab spots.
Preference is given to students that require this class as part of their major.
4 credits9SS.‑C. Liu, T. Delbrück, R. Hahnloser, G. Indiveri, V. Mante, P. Pyk, W. von der Behrens
AbstractExperimental data are always as good as the instrumentation and measurement, but never any better. This course provides the very basics of instrumentation relevant to neurophysiology and neuromorphic engineering, it consists of two parts: a common introductory part involving analog signals and their acquisition (Part I), and a more specialized second part (Part II).
ObjectiveThe goal of Part I is to provide a general introduction to the signal acquisition process. Students are familiarized with basic lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, function generators, and data acquisition devices. Different electrical signals are generated, visualized, filtered, digitized, and analyzed using Matlab (Mathworks Inc.) or Labview (National Instruments).

In Part II, the students are divided into small groups to work on individual measurement projects according to availability and interest. Students single-handedly solve a measurement task, making use of their basic knowledge acquired in the first part. Various signal sources will be provided.
Prerequisites / NoticeFor each part, students must hand in a written report and present a live demonstration of their measurement setup to the respective supervisor. The supervisor of Part I is the teaching assistant, and the supervisor of Part II is task specific. Admission to Part II is conditional on completion of Part I (report + live demonstration).

Reports must contain detailed descriptions of the measurement goal, the measurement procedure, and the measurement outcome. Either confidence or significance of measurements must be provided. Acquisition and analysis software must be documented.
376-1305-01LStructure, Plasticity and Repair of the Nervous System3 credits2VG. Schratt, L. Filli, W. von der Behrens, further lecturers
AbstractThe course covers the structure, plasticity and regeneration of the adult nervous system (NS) with focus on: sensory systems, cognitive functions, learning and memory, molecular and cellular mechanisms, animal models, and diseases of the NS.
ObjectiveThe aim is to give a deepened insight into the structure, plasticity and regeneration of the nervous system based on molecular, cellular and biochemical approaches.
ContentThe main focus is on the structure, plasticity and regeneration of the NS: biology of the adult nervous system; structural plasticity of the adult nervous system, regeneration and repair: networks and nerve fibers, regeneration, pathological loss of cells.
Lecture notesETH students: Lecture notes will be provided on Moodle https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=4487
Password will be provided at the beginning of the lecture.

UZH students: Lecture notes will be provided on OLAT: https://www.olat.uzh.ch/olat/dmz/
LiteratureThe lecture requires reading of book chapters, handouts and original scientific papers. Further information will be given in the individual lectures and are mentioned on Moodle / OLAT.
376-1305-10LNeurobiology Information 6 credits4VG. Schratt, E. Stoeckli, L. Filli, W. von der Behrens, further lecturers
AbstractDevelopment of the nervous system (NS); the adult NS, plasticity and regeneration, sensory systems, cognitive functions, learning and memory, molecular and cellular mechanisms, animal models, diseases of the NS.
ObjectiveOverview of normal development, plasticity and regeneration of the nervous system based on molecular, cellular and biochemical approaches.
ContentDevelopment: Early development of the nervous system, cellular level, nerve fiber growth, building of neuronal networks; biology of the adult nervous system; structural plasticity of the adult nervous system, regeneration and repair: networks and nerve fibers, regeneration, pathological loss of cells.
Lecture notesStructure, Plasticity and Repair of the Nervous System (376-1305-01L): Lecture notes will be provided on Moodle https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=694
Password will be provided at the beginning of the lecture.

Development of the Nervous System (376-1305-00L): Lecture notes will be provided on OLAT https://www.olat.uzh.ch/olat/dmz/
LiteratureThe lecture requires reading of book chapters, handouts and original scientific papers. Further information will be given in the individual lectures.