Salve Symposium and Course
Brain, behaviour and evolution: avian model systems
September 6-7th, 2002. Budapest, Hungary
The course is for undergraduate and doctorate students. The symposium is open for all.

Brain, Behaviour and Evolution: Avian systems

The course discusses neural and genetic basis of behaviour with respect to function and evolution. Focus of the course will change from year to year.
The course consists of 3 parts, altogether 30 hours.

I) Introductory lectures provide fundamental information on the neural structures involved, and evolutionary methods applied in specific neuroethology studies. A lecture on model systems focuses on specific studies related to a given behavioural function.

II) Invited speakers describe their own research in details.

III) One-to one consultation with each student aims to clarify concepts and methods of a model system the student chooses to study in detail.

Requirements:

1) Written test

2) Student essay: overview of one specific project (in English, submitted in electronic format)

2002-2003 (September 6-7 + 16): This year we focus on avian learning paradigms.

I) Introductory lectures

A) The avian brain: Major pathways, integration, memory. Homologies and analogies with the mammalian nervous system
B) Evolutionary comparative approach: Basic phylogenetic tree reconstruction methods Independent contrasts. Evolution of major brain areas
C) Model systems: Filial imprinting Taste aversion learning Song learning Spatial learning

II Invited speakers describe their own studies on subjects listed in I/C

2002/2003 speakers are: Prof. Johan Bolhuis (Utrecht Univ., Neaderlands) Prof. András Csillag (Semmelweis University, Hungary) Prof. Kurt Kotrscahl (Vienna University, Austria) dr. Toshiya Matsushima (Nagoya University, Japan) Prof. Michael Stewart (Open University, GB)

III. Essay topics should be chosen from I/C

For more information, please write to peter.kabai@gmail.com