OVERVIEW

The NEUROPLASTICITY LABORATORY course is a theoretical-practical introductory course to the experimental technologies used to study neuroplasticity in animals and humans. The course takes place in the second semester. In particular, this course aims to provide specific theoretical and practical knowledge on the main experimental research methodologies used for the study of neuroplasticity, such as those based on electrophysiological investigation techniques at the single cell and network level, which are both non-invasive brain stimulation techniques applied in humans and tecqniques based on functional imaging.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide the basic knowledge on neuroplasticity. These concepts are aimed to provide important tools for basic and translational research in the fields of pharmacology and rehabilitative techniques. Theoretical and practical lessons are combined to provide students with: - knowledge on the concepts of in vitro and ex vivo neuroplasticity -knowledge on the concepts of neuroplasticity in humans - knowledge on techniques used to induced and measure neuroplasticity on in vitro cellular models - knowledge on techniques used to induced and measure neuroplasticity in humans - visualize and measure the reorganization of cortical activity after a motor task; - knowledge on the data acquisition and on offline analysis.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide the basic knowledge on neuroplasticity. These concepts are aimed to provide important tools for basic and translational research in the fields of pharmacology and rehabilitative techniques.

Theoretical and practical lessons are combined to provide students with:

- knowledge on the concepts of in vitro and ex vivo neuroplasticity

-knowledge on the concepts of neuroplasticity in humans

- knowledge on techniques used to induced and measure neuroplasticity on in vitro cellular models

- knowledge on techniques used to induced and measure neuroplasticity in humans

- visualize and measure the reorganization of cortical activity after a motor task;

- knowledge on the data acquisition and on offline analysis.

PREREQUISITES

Knowledge of neurophysiology

TEACHING METHODS

Short theorical lessons followed by practical experiments in labs.

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

Notes and teaching materials provided via AulaWeb
(to know more: DAI NEURONI AL CERVELLO (a cura di A. Cattaneo) e FISIOLOGIA E BIOFISICA DELLE CELLULE (Taglietti- Casella).

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

The exam will consist of the oral presentation of a scientific work related to one of the topics covered in class.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The discussion will focus on the topics covered in the presentation with questions related to all the topics covered during the course in the teaching laboratories. The aim will be to evaluate whether the student has reached an adequate level of both theoretical and practical knowledge.

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.