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

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

Exam Board

CAMILLA PIERELLA (President)

SERENA RICCI

MARTINA BROFIGA (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/8713/p/studenti-orario

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.

Exam schedule