OVERVIEW

The course provides an overview of in vitro and in vivo neuroengineering aimed at providing the theoretical and methodological skills related to the study of the interaction of physical devices with the human brain at various levels of complexity, from the level of single cells and small neural networks, up to the entire nervous system and its interactions with the environment.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide some basic knowledge on methodologies for the design, development and analysis of experiments with nerve cells in vitro. Furthermore, it aims to provide basic knowledge for the identification of critical issues in patients with neuromotor problems and possible technological solutions for improvement.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student:

1. Will have the basis on in vitro and in vivo neuroengineering both in research and in clinical practice.
2. Will have the basis that will allow designing and performing experiments with nervous cells to characterize both morphological (microscopy) and electrophysiological (multi-electrode recordings) properties, recognizing strengths and weaknesses of the different experimental models.
3. Will have the basis that will allow identifying the critical issues that people with neuromotor problems face daily and propose technological solutions to improve their condition.
4. Will be able to analyze and present experimental results appropriately.
5. Will acquire the ability to develop their imagination and creativity, critical reflection, and strategic thinking.

PREREQUISITES

There are no formal prerequisites, but the course requires basic knowledge of physiology, informatics and bioelectronics.

TEACHING METHODS

• Frontal lessons
• Seminars by industry experts (clinicians and engineers working in the field of neuroengineering)
• Practical exercises, presentations
• Project-based teaching

Students who hold valid certificates relating to Specific Learning Difficulties (SLD), disabilities or other educational needs are invited to contact the lecturer and the school’s disability liaison officer at the start of the course to agree on any teaching arrangements which, whilst respecting the course objectives, take into account individual learning styles. 

The contact details for the university’s disability liaison officer are available at the following link: https://unige.it/commissioni/comitatoperlinclusionedeglistudenticondisabilita. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Introduction to neural interfaces (brain- and body-machine interfaces).
2. Introduction to the complexity of the brain both from a structural and functional point of view.
3. In vitro models to study large-scale networks of nervous cells (e.g., slices, cell cultures, spheroids, organoids, etc.).
4. Morphological and electrophysiological characterization of in vitro neuronal populations and their engineering.
5. Consequences and problems related to damage or disease affecting the central or peripheral nervous system.
6. Existing technological solutions to replace or recover motion lost due to damage to the nervous system.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Slides provided in class and scientific articles on specific topics.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/index.php?view=easycourse&_lang=it&include=corso

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Discussion of the report containing the used techniques and the results achieved by the exercitations.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Oral examination based on the project developed by the students.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) may request accommodations for exams at least 7 days prior to the exam date by filling out the “accommodation request form” (available via online services at https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti# no-back), which will be automatically forwarded by the system to the instructor in charge of the course and to the faculty liaison for students with disabilities and SLDs in their School/Department. 

The student will receive a copy of their request.