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 neural and myoelectronic controlled neuro-electronic interfaces and 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 transforming medicine, which – compared with the traditional model centred on the symptomatic treatment of acute illnesses – is increasingly evolving towards an approach centred on identifying individual risks of developing diseases based on 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 characteristics are often summarised under the term ‘4P medicine’ (predictive, preventive, personalised and participatory) or ‘precision medicine’. The foundations of personalised medicine lie in diagnostic and therapeutic services and a healthcare management model that are increasingly based on integration and the processing of large quantities of diverse information (genetic data, clinical history, advanced diagnostics).

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

Two study pathways (curricula) are available: one focusing more on materials and devices, and the other on data and information technologies.

• The T2C1 Materials and devices for personalised medicine curriculum focuses on the application of materials technologies, cell and tissue engineering for the design and evaluation of high-tech medical and surgical devices (such as prostheses and artificial organs) and on the development of therapeutic approaches characterised by personalised treatment and precision in administration.
• The T2C2 Information and Communication Technologies for personalised medicine programme focuses on the use of information technologies for diagnosis, treatment and prevention, with the patient’s direct involvement in the care pathway. This includes the development of diagnostic tools and devices based on bio-imaging, biosignals and genetic information; telemedicine, biomedical robotics, and wearable devices for monitoring, prevention, treatment and care; the design and management of hospital facilities and healthcare systems centred on patients’ needs and the care of vulnerable individuals.