Neurobiology II

Year
4
Academic year
2020-2021
Code
02003607
Subject Area
Biomedical Sciences
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Elective
Level
2nd Cycle Studies - Mestrado

Recommended Prerequisites

N.A.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical classes: close contact with the student thus facilitating the transmission of knowledge. As possible, videos will be also shown related with the proposed themes.
Theoretical-practical classes: students will prepare (self-study) and present (orally) scientific papers published in international journals. Depending on the number of students, the formulation, presentation and discussion of a mini-project will be also required.
Seminar: interacting with a guest scientist, renowned in his area of research and discussion of themes lectured in the theoretical classes.

Learning Outcomes

It is intended to continue the syllabus of Neurobiology I, giving emphasis to pathological conditions of the central and peripheral nervous system linked to neuronal dysfunction or death. The increased prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders, associated with the aging of population and ineffective treatment or cure, justifies the importance of studying brain diseases in the Biomedical Engineering course. The development of novel diagnosis and treatment techniques requires studying the alterations related to pathological conditions affecting the nervous system.
Students should be able to describe the basic mechanisms of neurodegeneration associated with nervous system pathologies and aging, providing the basis for the application of new diagnosis and treatment methods, evaluate the main features of central and peripheral nervous system diseases and recognize the importance of research in understanding the selective neurodegeneration, as well for applying new therapeutic approaches.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

The syllabus of the curricular unit of Neurobiology II will be divided according to the following themes related with cellular and molecular changes of the nervous system during ageing and in pathological situations, as well as the current therapeutic strategies:
1. Cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration of different brain areas - influence of the ageing process.
2. Modifications of the nervous system in drug addiction.
3. Neuropathological changes associated with various diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, and the current techniques used in diagnosis.
4. Identification of molecular and cellular therapeutic targets and the application of pharmacological, genetic and cell-based therapies.

Head Lecturer(s)

Ana Cristina Carvalho Rego

Assessment Methods

Evaluation
Mini Tests: 100.0%

Bibliography

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

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

- Artigos de revisão/Review papers