OVERVIEW

The course deals with topics related to the development and application of biomedical technologies in the field of neuroscience and rehabilitation, with specific attention to methodological and translational aspects. In particular, neuroimaging plays a major role in the medical sciences, supporting, for instance, the morphological study of lesions following brain damage and the localization of the brain structures involved in the pathology under investigation.

The following topics will be mainly addressed:

1. Innovative methods and technologies in the field of neuroimaging,

2. Basic research aimed at studying the neural correlates of motor and cognitive aspects in humans,

3. Applied research and clinical and rehabilitative perspectives.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course covers different methods of investigation of the nervous system for the study of the brain in vivo in humans, from the point of view of its structure and functionality in relation to pathology and / or behavioral data (cognitive or motor). Medical technologies will be presented, mainly associated with advanced methods of quantitative magnetic resonance, applied to the clinic and to research in the healthy subject and in neurological patients

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide elements to be able to develop and apply medical technologies, mainly associated with advanced methods of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging, for applied clinical research in healthy subjects and in patients affected by neurological diseases.

Attendance and active participation in the proposed educational activities and individual study will allow:

- to know in depth the principles underlying the main techniques of neuroimaging and neurophysiology;

- to know the main methods of data analysis;

- to understand and design studies based on the application of technologies in the medical field.

PREREQUISITES

Physiology of the nervous system and motor control; conventional magnetic resonance imaging.

However, the fundamental concepts will be briefly reviewed.

TEACHING METHODS

Lecture and lab hours

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Quantitative MRI Techniques, Biomedical tools for the evaluation of motor performance and associated MRI compatibility issues, Clinical aspects of neurological diseases (vascular, inflammatory and degenerative).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Slides shown during the lectures and other material, including review articles (made available in Aulaweb).

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

LAURA BONZANO (President)

AMBRA BISIO

MARCO BOVE (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

1st semester

https://corsi.unige.it/11159/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral presentation of a scientific paper; multiple choice test

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written exam (multiple choice quiz) will focus on the topics covered during the lessons and will aim to evaluate not only the achievement of an adequate level of basic knowledge, but also the acquisition of the ability to critically analyze the questions that will be asked.

The following elements will contribute to the final graduation mark (out of 30, cum laude):

- knowledge of the basic principles, applications and possible problems of the technologies presented during the lessons

- basic knowledge of neurological pathology and of the tools to critically understand different diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, based on the most recent developments in the field of applied medical technologies

- understanding and ability to critically discuss a scientific article (teaching mode: Flipped Classroom)

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

In case of certification of specific learning difficulties (SLD), disability or other special educational needs, please contact both the Department contact person, Prof. Nicola Girtler, and the lecturer at the beginning of the lectures to agree on teaching and exam methods which, in compliance of the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning methods and provide suitable compensatory/dispensatory tools recognized by the University Office of Students with Disabilities and SLD.