Social Neuroscience of Animal Model Systems (BIOS0029)

The aim of this module is to provide an in-depth introduction to the neurobiology of social behaviour with a focus on model systems. Following a refresher on the general principles of what it means to be social, why it is useful, and how social drives lead to specific behaviours, the topics covered will include a state-of-the-art description of different animal models used to examine social behaviour from invertebrates up to mammals.

Emphasis will be placed on understanding the brain areas and circuits involved, including the effects that key players, such as specific genes, environmental situations, neurotransmitters, and peptides, have on the circuits underlying social behaviour.

Finally, the module will give an overview of both well-established and novel assays used to measure different social behaviours.

Indicative lectures and topics to be covered:

Introduction to Social Neuroscience
	Evolution of Social Behaviours
	Anatomy, Structure and function of the Social Brain Network
	Social animal models from invertebrates to humans
	Techniques and Methods to study the social network
	Social information processing
	Collective behaviour and social interactions
	Social Learning and recognition
	Parental behaviour and social isolation
	Effects of genes on the development of the social network
	Hormones, social stress and the hypothalamic pathway
	Social disorders and animal models
Assessment will be via coursework and a written exam. For the coursework, you will be given a recent paper and be asked to demonstrate your understanding of the results described and answer short questions on the techniques used and methodologies used and the choice of animal model. The exam will demonstrate your ability to analyse novel data with established techniques, and to interpret and explain contradictory observations.

The aim is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the econometrics from a theoretical perspective, give students familiarity with the...