Learning objectives

The course is aimed at providing knowledge on the use of biotechnology in the field of neuroscience, with special reference to the physiopathology of the nervous system, biomolecular, cellular and functional techniques of neurobiological relevance, models of neurological diseases, therapeutic approaches.

Program

. Introduction to Neuroscience - Overview of the discipline of neuroscience, its historical development, and its current applications. 2. Principles of Structural and Functional Organization of the Nervous System - Anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems, developmental biology of nervous tissue. 3. Cellular Organization and Neurocytology - Types of neuronal and glial cells, their functions, and their importance in health and neurobiological disease. 4. Microscopy and Neurohistology - Light, electron, and confocal microscopy; sample preparation techniques, staining, and immunohistochemistry. 5. Fundamentals of Neurophysiology - Generation and propagation of action potentials, myelination, synaptic transmission, neurotransmitters, and sensory-motor pathways. 6. Neuroanatomy of Cortical and Subcortical Structures - Organization of the cortical lobes, gray and white matter, meninges, spinal nerves, and autonomic and somatic nervous systems. 7. Functional Neuroanatomy - Brainstem, pons, midbrain, diencephalon, cerebellum and cranial nerves; focus on function and connectivity. 8. Blood-Brain Barrier, Neurovascular Unit and Neuroprotection - Properties of the blood-brain barrier, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), neuronal plasticity and regeneration in neurodegenerative settings. 9. Neuroimaging and Electrophysiology - Fundamentals of EEG, evoked potentials and fMRI and their clinical and research applications. 10. Sleep, Circadian Rhythms and Cognitive Disorders - Mechanisms of sleep and circadian rhythms, related pathologies and cognitive alterations. 11. Sensory Processing and Perception - Visual processing, auditory systems, taste, smell and biological mechanisms of pain perception. 12. Experimental Models in Neuroscience - Use of in vivo and in vitro models in the study of neurophysiological and pathological processes. 13. Learning, Memory, and Behavioral Neuroscience - Mechanisms of learning and memory, key behavioral tests, and their applications in research. 14. Pathophysiology of Epilepsy and Neuroplasticity - Cellular and molecular bases of epilepsy and mechanisms underlying neuroplasticity. 15. Gut-Brain Axis - Interaction between the central nervous system and gastrointestinal functions in health and disease, with a focus on neuroimmune interactions. 16. Neurodegenerative Diseases and Aging - Alzheimer's disease, cellular aging, and other neurodegenerative conditions. 17. Psychiatric Disorders and Their Biological Bases - Understanding the neurobiological bases of schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and autism spectrum disorders. 18. Emotional Processing and the Limbic System - Neural mechanisms underlying emotions, the limbic system, and emotional regulation disorders. 19. Addiction and the Brain's Reward System - Mechanisms of addiction, pleasure pathways, and the impact of drugs on brain function. 20. Advanced Techniques in Neuroscience - Patch-clamp technique, biomarker analysis, optogenetics, and their applications in neurobiological research. 21. Review of Scientific Literature - Approaches to reading, analyzing, and discussing scientific research articles in neuroscience.

Didactic methods

Lectures, discussions and critical readings.

Learning assessment procedures

Oral exam. The exam will assess knowledge of the topics: - Covered in classroom lectures. - In the assigned chapters of Fundamentals of Brain and Behavior: An Introduction to Human Neuroscience. - Understanding of key concepts, experimental techniques, and ability to analyze and discuss scientific literature is required.

Evaluation criteria

During the oral exam, students will be expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the course contents, with particular attention to the application of neurobiotechnological principles and methodologies to the understanding of neuronal functions and dysfunctions.

Exam language

italiano