Tracks

The nervous system in both normal and pathological conditions is central as a field of study in modern bioengineering, both from an application point of view - just think of prosthetics, rehabilitation, humanoid robotics -  and from a methodological point of view, which requires a multi-level approach, from genes to neurons to cognitive and behavioural mechanisms with contributions from various disciplines. 

The main areas of application include: (i) experimental and analytical technologies and methods to study the human brain and neuron populations; (ii) tools and assays for neuro-pharmacology and neuro-toxicology; (iii) technologies for rehabilitation and assistance, based on neural interfaces and advanced human-machine interfaces; and (iv) artificial systems capable of emulating human sensory, motor and cognitive functions. 

This track aims to train professionals capable of translating advances in neuroscience into the development of advanced technologies for studying the brain and for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of neurological and cognitive disorders. 

There are two pathways (curricula), one more oriented towards neural technologies and the other more towards rehabilitation applications (rehabilitation, assistance, prosthetics).

• The T1C1 Neuroengineering and neurotechnologies curriculum focuses on the study of the molecular, cellular and computational bases of the dynamics of populations of neurons, the related instrumentation and techniques for analysis and modelling, including the construction of biomorphic or neuromorphic artefacts.
  This track will provide an in-depth knowledge of technologies for neuro-electronic interfaces and neural and myoelectronic controlled prostheses, as well as of technologies and design methodologies for the construction of machines, systems and services capable of learning and adapting to the environment according to biologically inspired mechanisms.
The curriculum
• The T1C2  Rehabilitation engineering and interaction technologies curriculum provides skills related to the study of sensorimotor perception and control and the use of information technologies to improve the quality of life of people with neuro-motor and cognitive disabilities.  
  

All teaching in these curricula is offered in English.

Technological developments and demographic changes are profoundly altering medicine from a model traditionally centred on the symptomatic treatment of acute diseases to a modality centred on the identification of individual risks of developing diseases on the basis of genetic profiles and other personal information (prediction); methods and tools to avoid, reduce and monitor the risk of developing diseases (prevention); clinical interventions based on the unique genetic, medical and environmental characteristics of each individual (personalisation); and patient involvement in determining treatment pathways (participation). These features are often summarised in the term '4P medicine' (predictive, preventive, personalised and participatory) or 'precision medicine'. The prerequisites of personalised medicine are a diagnostic/therapeutic offer and a model of healthcare system management increasingly based on the integration and processing of large amounts of information of various kinds (genetics, medical history, advanced diagnostics).

This track aims to train professionals capable of contributing to this revolution, providing them with the necessary tools to develop innovative therapies, devices, services and processes to support human health with a view to predictive, preventive, personalised and participative medicine.

There are two tracks (curricula), one more focused on materials and devices and the other more on data and information technology.

• The Curriculum T2C2 Information and Communication Technologies for personalised medicine concerns the use of information technologies for diagnostics, therapy and prevention with the direct involvement of the patient in the care pathway. This includes the development of tools and devices for diagnosis based on bio-imaging, bio-signalling, genetic information; telemedicine, biomedical robotics, wearable devices for monitoring, prevention, treatment and care; the design and management of hospital facilities and healthcare systems centred on the needs of the patient and on the care of frail situations.

The use of information technology for personalised medicine is concerned with the use of information technology for diagnosis, therapy and prevention with the direct involvement of the patient in the care pathway.