Fundamental Neuroscience

Recommended Prerequisites

A. Knowledge: Students should know the molecular composition and cellular function, and the organelles that constitute the cell, the cell metabolism and its regulation under non-pathological conditions, as well as know about the processes of inter-and intracellular signaling. It is advised the attendance of the curricular units Cell and Molecular Biology (I and II), Biochemistry (I and II) of the 1st year of the MIM.

B. Skills and attitudes: Be able to read and understand the English language (technical language); know how to use the internet for bibliographic search of scientific journals in the fields of Neuroscience and Biomedicine (e.g. at Pubmed).

Students should be highly motivated for the study of Neuroscience, study in an autonomous way, have a critical thinking and openness for continuous and integrated learning. Finally, students should ask questions on a regular basis about the lectured subjects.

Teaching Methods

- Oral exposure of updated knowledge (lastest book editions) and discussion.

- Presentation of the knowledge goals at the beginning of classes.

- Presentation of educational videos on the topics of the lectures.

- Presentation of simple clinical cases with some questions, and respective answers.

- Resolution of questions (formative evaluation) in order to consolidate and integrate the acquired knowledge.

-TP: Oral presentation and discussion of recent and simple scientific original papers.

- P: Experimental analysis in the field of Neuroscience.

- S: Integration of knowledge with other areas.

Learning Outcomes

The curricular unit (CU) aims to contribute for the understanding of the fundamental functions of the nervous system and provide the cellular and molecular basis of neuronal dysfunction associated with diseases of the nervous system. Specifically, the CU aims to: i) assess how the central and peripheral nervous system work, how cells communicate and organize in relevant brain circuits; ii) describe the process of neurotransmission, including the action of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and neurotrophic factors; iii) analyze the basic mechanisms of neurodegeneration associated with diseases of the nervous system; and iv) verify the application of new methods and diagnostic tools and pharmacological, genetic and cellular therapies. After completing the CU, the student must also obtain skills in order to analyze and present simple scientific papers, a critical spirit and develop a curiosity for scientific research in Neuroscience.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

The following topics will be part of the curriculum of the CU:

- Functions of the main areas of the central and peripheral nervous systems

- The cells of the nervous system and neuron-glia interactions

- Axonal transport and the process of neurotransmission

- Mechanisms of action of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators

- Action of the main growth factors and neurotrophins in the nervous system

- Development of the nervous system

- Neuroendocrine regulation by the hypothalamus

- The hippocampus and regulation of memory processes

- Central nervous system modifications in drug addiction

- Cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and the influence of aging

- Molecular and cellular changes associated with neuropsychiatric, demyelinating and neurodegenerative diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems

- Identification of therapeutic targets and the application of pharmacological, genetic and cellular therapies.

Head Lecturer(s)

Ana Cristina Carvalho Rego

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Report of a seminar or field trip: 10.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 10.0%
Other: 30.0%
Mini Tests: 50.0%

Bibliography

- Brady S, Siegel GJ, Albers RW, Price DL (2011) “Basic Neurochemistry: Principles of Molecular, Cellular, and Medical Neurobiology”, 8ª edição, Academic Press.

- Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D, Hall WC, LaMantia A-S, White LE (2012) “Neuroscience”, 5ª edição, Sinauer Associates Inc.

- Artigos de revisão recentes.