Research Technologies in Neurobiology

Recommended Prerequisites

Neuroscience or Neurobiology.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical-practical teaching will be delivered through in-person classes, and also include contact with techniques in a laboratory setting. Student attendance in classes may influence their eligibility to perform the exam.

The theoretical-practical teaching will provide students with skills and self-learning strategies, which will be crucial for them to develop a project on cutting-edge technologies with potential applications in clinical or business environments, as well as a scientific research project addressing knowledge gaps, ideally applying biomedical engineering knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

Experimental methodologies in Neurobiology have significantly evolved over time due to ongoing technological, theoretical, and methodological advancements. The evolution of experimental methodologies in neurobiology is marked by a continuous increase in the precision and detail with which we can investigate the Nervous System and its functioning. In this context, this course aims to provide students with close contact with laboratory techniques that allow for the analysis and quantification of cellular and molecular aspects, as well as cellularfunction, and the investigation of the activity of brain circuits that influence behaviour and body functions. Additionally, the course will provide an overview of the necessity of applying engineering knowledge in the creation of new technologies that enhance our understanding of the nervous system, thereby contributing to the development of innovative therapeutic tools to manage neurological diseases.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

The programme for this curricular unit includes the following topics: i) How to develop a scientific research project; ii) Ethics and animal experimentation; alternative models to animal experimentation; iii) Biological models in Neurobiology: subcellular fractions, cultures of cells, tissues and brain slice; iv) Tools and strategies for studying cellular signalling: production of antibodies; purification of proteins and analysis of their expression; v) Techniques for interfering with gene expression and their products - proteins, and their application in the generation of transgenic animals; vi) Microscopy: principles and applications, advantages and disadvantages of the different types of microscopes; analysis of proteins in cells/tissues through the use of fluorescent antibodies and study of cell function using fluorescent probes; vii) Analysis of animal behaviour: motor and sensory function, mood and cognitive functions; viii) Brain imaging: structural and functional analyses.

Head Lecturer(s)

Paula Maria Garcia Agostinho

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Research work: 40.0%
Exam: 60.0%

Bibliography

Guide to Research Techniques in Neuroscience, 3rd Edition, Authors: Matt Carter, Rachel Essner, Nitsan Goldstein, Manasi Iyer, ISBN: 9780128186466; eBook ISBN: 9780323915618- BOOK

Vázquez-Guardado, A., Yang, Y., Bandodkar, A. J., & Rogers, J. A. (2020). Recent advances in neurotechnologies with broad potential for neuroscience research. Nature neuroscience, 23(12), 1522-1536. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-020-00739-8- Special issue with several topics

Focus on neuroscience methods. Nat Neurosci 23, 1455 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-020-00750-z