OVERVIEW

Our senses are the main means through which we perceive, understand, interact with and react to our environment. Consequently, sensory disabilities are a serious challenge that impacts all levels of physical and social functioning. The impaired brain is often difficult to restore, owing to our limited knowledge of the complex nervous system. Accumulating knowledge in systems neuroscience, combined with innovative technologies, may enable brain restoration in patients with nervous system disorders currently untreatable. This course explores how bioengineering techniques and principles are applied to understand and model sensory systems. It addresses technologies for the analysis, evaluation, and rehabilitation of sensory disorders. Major sensory systems, diagnostic and rehabilitation technologies, sensory prostheses, and sensory substitution or augmentation strategies are covered. The course includes both theoretical lectures and laboratory activities.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course explores how sensory interaction works, how it can be used to monitor brain health, and how our sensory abilities can be rehabilitated or augmented.
The course will show the students how the current technologies and the knowledge about the sensory mechanisms could 1) help, empower, educate the correct development of sensory faculties, 2) rehabilitate sensory deficits, 3) assist the diagnosis of sensory disfunctions, and 4) lead/promote early diagnosis.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with advanced knowledge of technologies used to investigate and address sensory dysfunctions. It adopts an interdisciplinary perspective, integrating engineering, neuroscience, and clinical approaches to develop assistive and rehabilitation systems for sensory impairments.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Describe common sensory system disorders and understand their functional and structural impact.
• Understand and explain the functioning of diagnostic tools for visual, auditory, vestibular, and somatosensory assessment.
• Analyze the design and function of sensory prostheses and substitution devices, with attention to neural interfaces and brain plasticity.
• Design basic concepts of sensory substitution or augmentation systems, applying principles from sensory engineering and cognitive neuroscience.
• Comprehend the principles of multisensory integration and their implications for assistive system design.
• Apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, such as eye tracking, auditory signal analysis, and evaluation of sensory interfaces.

PREREQUISITES

There are no specific requirements.

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes interactive lectures and practical laboratory sessions. A combination of theoretical background and applied project work is employed, with a strong emphasis on case studies and collaborative activities. Students will be divided into small groups and will engage in hands-on computer-based tasks throughout the semester. Active participation is encouraged to foster critical thinking and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Students with certified learning disabilities (DSA) are invited to contact the instructor to discuss personalized support and accommodations.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction to the engineering perspective on sensory dysfunction
Visual System: Disorders and Assessment Technologies
Visual System: Sensory Prostheses and Substitution Devices
Auditory System: Disorders and Evaluation Tools
Auditory System: Prostheses and Substitution Interfaces
Vestibular and Somatosensory Systems
Crossmodal Technologies and Sensory Augmentation
Principles of Multisensory Integration
Crossmodal Plasticity and Sensory-Independent Brain Functions
Assistive Technologies and Rehabilitation Strategies

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Specific indications on reference bibliography will be provided by the professor at the beginning of the lectures.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The course will begin according to the official academic calendar of the Degree Program

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final exam consists of an oral examination in which the student will discuss theoretical content covered during lectures and labs. The assessment may include critical analysis of case studies or technologies introduced during the course. Group presentations of the projects developed in laboratory sessions will also be part of the final evaluation.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The final grade will be determined through a combination of the oral examination and the practical activities carried out during the laboratory sessions. Evaluation will consider the accuracy and depth of content, critical and analytical thinking, clarity and effectiveness of communication, and the originality of the proposed solutions. All the assignements evaluations will be carried out using a shared and transparent grading rubric to ensure consistency and fairness in the assessment process.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Ask the professor for other information not included in the teaching schedule.