Neurobiology II

Recommended Prerequisites

It is recommended the approval at Neurobiology I. Students must read and understand the English language (technical language) and be able to use the internet for bibliographical search of scientific journals in the field of Neurosciences.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical classes: close contact with the student thus facilitating the transmission of knowledge. As possible, videos and basic clinical cases will be also shown related with the proposed themes.

Theoretical-practical classes: students will prepare (self-study) and present (orally) scientific original papers published in international journals; students will also prepare and present (orally) a mini research project.

Seminar: interaction with a guest neuroscientist, and discussion of themes lectured in the theoretical classes.

Learning Outcomes

It is intended to continue the syllabus of Neurobiology I, giving emphasis to neuronal dysfunction linked to pathological conditions of the central and peripheral nervous system. 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 curriculum. In this context, development of novel diagnostic tools and treatment options plays a relevant role.
Therefore, this curriculum unit has a main objective to describe the basic mechanisms of neurodegeneration associated with various 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 is divided in 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

Assessment
Exam: 20.0%
Mini Tests: 20.0%
Research work: 30.0%
Oral presentation and discussion of scientific papers (25%) / Seminar (5%): 30.0%

Bibliography

- Rego AC, Duarte CB, Oliveira CR (2017) "Neurociências", 1ª Ed., Lidel.

- Brady S, Siegel GJ, Albers RW, Price DL (2012) “Basic Neurochemistry: Principles of Molecular, Cellular, and Medical Neurobiology”, 8ª Ed, Elsevier.

- Haines DE, Mihailoff GA, Willis MA (2024) Fundamental Neuroscience for Basic and Clinical Applications”, 6th Ed, Elsevier.

- Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D, Hall WC, LaMantia A-S, Mooney RD, Platt ML, White LE (2017) “Neuroscience”, 6th Ed, Oxford University Press, USA.