Teaching Plan Information

Presentation

Degrees in Human Biology and Biomedical Engineering

Course: 3rd

Term: 3rd

Number of credits: 4 credits

Number of students per course: 20

Language of instruction: English

Teaching: Francisco J. Muñoz, Ana Rodríguez Campello, Jose M. Fernandez, Andrés Ozaita, Rafael Maldonado, Patricia Robledo, Adriana Castro and Elisa Cuadrado

Coordination: Francisco J. Muñoz

INTRODUCTION

Neuroscience involves the multidisciplinary study of the brain. It includes many levels of explanation, from the molecular to the behavioral and cognitive. These strategies have several origins and traditions: anatomy, neurophysiology, pharmacology, molecular biology, neurology or psychiatry. It is therefore the paradigm of a multi- and interdisciplinary area of science. The study of the brain has opened enormous possibilities for understanding neurological and psychiatric diseases like neurodegeneration or addictions. In addition, this knowledge has strong implications for

many other areas of human activity outside the conventional environment of medicine or psychology.

The aim of this course is to provide a perspective on some “hot topics” in Neurosciences and the diseases affecting to the brain by examining specific areas in which they have made enormous progress in recent years oriented to neurological and psychiatric disease.

Associated skills

•Knowledge of the basic principles of Neurosciences, its multidisciplinary nature and scope of knowledge. 
•Knowledge of the basic processes of molecular and cellular biology of neurons, and the mechanisms of cell communication and plasticity. 
•Knowledge of the molecular basis of neuropathology, taking as examples ELA, Prion disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's. 
•Understanding of the neural mechanisms of memory, language and communication. 
•Knowledge of the principles of neuropharmacology and treatment of psychiatric disorders and addictions. 

Learning outcomes

- Learning the techniques used to study brain functions, as well as the student understanding the relationship between function and disease.
- Development of group work for learning to solve scientific problems based on the search for information and discussion.
- Teaching communication effectively and clearly, both orally and in writing in group sessions and in the oral presentations at the end of the course.
- Training within the scientific methodology of learning for the development of their work as researchers.

Sustainable Development Goals

- Good Health and Well-being.

- Gender Equality.

- Quality Education.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of.

- Neuroanatomy

- Cell biology

- Physiology.

Contents

NEUROSCIENCE AND DISEASE

TOPICS

Part I: Neuronal function and current studies

Topic 1. Introduction to the course. Techniques to study neuronal function. Neuronal stem cells and cerebroids. Neuronal regeneration in adults. (Dr. Francisco J. Muñoz).

Topic 2. Axonal transport and synaptic growth (Dr. Francisco J. Muñoz).

Topic 3. Electrophysiology of the memory: the long term potentiation versus the long term depression (Dr. José M. Fernández).

Part II: Molecular and cellular basis of neuropathology

Topic 4. Misfolding into beta-sheet in neurodegeneration. (Dr Francisco J. Muñoz)

Topic 5. Molecular and cellular basis of neurodegenerative processes that affect directly to neurons (Dr. Ana Rodríguez).

Topic 6. Molecular and cellular basis of neurodegenerative processes that affects directly to glia and brain vessels (Dr. Ana Rodríguez).

Part III: Cognitive Neuroscience

Topic 7. Attention. Neural basis of attention and Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (Dr. Adriana Castro).

Topic 8. Human Communication: Language Comprehension and Production I. Brain Areas Involved, neural circuits and sensorimotor integration (Dr. Adriana Castro).

Topic 9. Human Communication: Language Comprehension and Production II. Brain Areas Involved, neural circuits and sensorimotor integration from the perspective of animal experimentation and human studies (Dr. Adriana Castro).

Part IV: New Perspectives in the Treatment of Neurological Diseases

Topic 10. Parkinson's disease (Dr. Patricia Robledo).

Topic 11. Psychopharmacology: drug addictions (Dr. Rafael Maldonado)

Topic 12. Gene therapy. Lipid neurotransmission. Other techniques                                                                         (Dr. Andrés Ozaita)

SEMINARS

Seminar 1. Neuronal function and current studies: Viagra, synaptic protection and memory (Dr. José M. Fernández).

Seminar 2. Molecular and cellular basis of neuropathology: Why does the head ache? (Dr. Elisa Cuadrado).

Seminar 3. Speech and language formation (Dr. Adriana Castro).

Seminar 4. New Perspectives in the Treatment of Neurological Diseases: Plants from witches (Dr. Rafael Maldonado).

Seminar 5. New Perspectives in the Treatment of Neurological Diseases: Depressed: to be or not to be (Dr. Patricia Robledo).

Seminar 6. Current perspectives on the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder  (Dr. Patricia Robledo)

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

The students will choose in pairs a research article from the list provided at the website of the subject. They will carry out Chalk Talks consisting of oral presentation during 15 minutes to their classmates and teaching staff on the chosen articles.

PRACTICAL SESSIONS

Practical session 1. Analysis by images of neuropathology. Practique lesson performed in the laboratories of CETIR to understand the current methods of diagnosis by images and its limitations (Dr. Eduard Riera and Dr. Francisco J. Muñoz).

* This practical session is not mandatory but optional. Students should send an e-mail to the coordinator confirming attendance on the indicated day from 10,00 to 13,00.

Teaching Methods

Lectures, Seminars, Problem solving and Practical Sessions. Working individually and in groups. Emphasis will be made on article reading, problem solving and group work. Assay and paper presentations by students (Chalk Talks).

At the end of the subject, the students will make an oral presentation to their classmates and teachers. Every student will select a topic from a list, or they may propose their own related to the subjects of the course. 

Evaluation

The assessment will be based on academic performance in the following tests, and on a scale from 0 to 10: 

50%: Written test. There will be two written tests (short questions and problems), one for the first two blocks, lessons 1-6, and a second one for the remaining two blocks, lessons 7-12. The final mark will be the average of the two exams. Each exam will be marked on a scale of 10.

20%: Work in seminars. This will be evaluated during the activities of the seminars and discussion groups.

30%: Oral presentation. Oral presentations will be carried out at the end of the subject.

Requirements: To overcome the activity, the student must participate in scheduled activities and add up to 5 points (50%) or higher among the different activities mentioned above. However, note that the mark obtained in each of the written tests must be above 5 over 10 to allow further consideration.

Criteria for the recovery: Students that after the evaluation process have not passed the course, have the option of a recovery test in the month of July. This will be a written test (short questions & problems) on the lessons of the syllabus above. In no case the activity assessed during the teaching process can be recovered and the student will maintain qualification obtained during the course. Therefore, the final grade will correspond with results of the recovery test with the abovementioned requirements, plus the results of the continuous evaluation.

There will be a period of recovery during the month of July on the dates established by UPF for all subjects taken in the trimester. Only those students who have completed all the compulsory activities (seminars, internships, work, continuous evaluation ...) will be able to do the proof of recovery in accordance with the teaching plan for each subject. It is not necessary to do the normal accreditative evaluation to opt to the July recovery exam. Students who study subjects in other universities in any exchange program cannot opt for the recovery of those subjects at the UPF.

Bibliography and information resources

Textbooks 

KANDEL, ER, SCHWARTZ JH, JESSEL, TM SIEGELBAUM SA AND HUNDSPETH, A.J. (2013) Principles of Neural Science. Fifth Edition. McGraw-Hill, New York, USA 

PURVES, D., HEAD, A., HUETTEL SA, LABAR KS, PLATT ML WOLDORFF, MG (2013) Principles of Cognitive Neuroscience, Second Edition., Sinauer Ass. Inc. Publishers, USA

Teaching Plan Information

Presentation

Degrees in Human Biology and Biomedical Engineering

Course: 3rd

Term: 3rd

Number of credits: 4 credits

Number of students per course: 20

Language of instruction: English

Teaching: Francisco J. Muñoz, Ana Rodríguez Campello, Jose M. Fernandez, Andrés Ozaita, Rafael Maldonado, Patricia Robledo, Adriana Castro and Elisa Cuadrado

Coordination: Francisco J. Muñoz

INTRODUCTION

Neuroscience involves the multidisciplinary study of the brain. It includes many levels of explanation, from the molecular to the behavioral and cognitive. These strategies have several origins and traditions: anatomy, neurophysiology, pharmacology, molecular biology, neurology or psychiatry. It is therefore the paradigm of a multi- and interdisciplinary area of science. The study of the brain has opened enormous possibilities for understanding neurological and psychiatric diseases like neurodegeneration or addictions. In addition, this knowledge has strong implications for

many other areas of human activity outside the conventional environment of medicine or psychology.

The aim of this course is to provide a perspective on some “hot topics” in Neurosciences and the diseases affecting to the brain by examining specific areas in which they have made enormous progress in recent years oriented to neurological and psychiatric disease.

Associated skills

•Knowledge of the basic principles of Neurosciences, its multidisciplinary nature and scope of knowledge. 
•Knowledge of the basic processes of molecular and cellular biology of neurons, and the mechanisms of cell communication and plasticity. 
•Knowledge of the molecular basis of neuropathology, taking as examples ELA, Prion disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's. 
•Understanding of the neural mechanisms of memory, language and communication. 
•Knowledge of the principles of neuropharmacology and treatment of psychiatric disorders and addictions. 

Learning outcomes

- Learning the techniques used to study brain functions, as well as the student understanding the relationship between function and disease.
- Development of group work for learning to solve scientific problems based on the search for information and discussion.
- Teaching communication effectively and clearly, both orally and in writing in group sessions and in the oral presentations at the end of the course.
- Training within the scientific methodology of learning for the development of their work as researchers.

Sustainable Development Goals

- Good Health and Well-being.

- Gender Equality.

- Quality Education.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of.

- Neuroanatomy

- Cell biology

- Physiology.

Contents

NEUROSCIENCE AND DISEASE

TOPICS

Part I: Neuronal function and current studies

Topic 1. Introduction to the course. Techniques to study neuronal function. Neuronal stem cells and cerebroids. Neuronal regeneration in adults. (Dr. Francisco J. Muñoz).

Topic 2. Axonal transport and synaptic growth (Dr. Francisco J. Muñoz).

Topic 3. Electrophysiology of the memory: the long term potentiation versus the long term depression (Dr. José M. Fernández).

Part II: Molecular and cellular basis of neuropathology

Topic 4. Misfolding into beta-sheet in neurodegeneration. (Dr Francisco J. Muñoz)

Topic 5. Molecular and cellular basis of neurodegenerative processes that affect directly to neurons (Dr. Ana Rodríguez).

Topic 6. Molecular and cellular basis of neurodegenerative processes that affects directly to glia and brain vessels (Dr. Ana Rodríguez).

Part III: Cognitive Neuroscience

Topic 7. Attention. Neural basis of attention and Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (Dr. Adriana Castro).

Topic 8. Human Communication: Language Comprehension and Production I. Brain Areas Involved, neural circuits and sensorimotor integration (Dr. Adriana Castro).

Topic 9. Human Communication: Language Comprehension and Production II. Brain Areas Involved, neural circuits and sensorimotor integration from the perspective of animal experimentation and human studies (Dr. Adriana Castro).

Part IV: New Perspectives in the Treatment of Neurological Diseases

Topic 10. Parkinson's disease (Dr. Patricia Robledo).

Topic 11. Psychopharmacology: drug addictions (Dr. Rafael Maldonado)

Topic 12. Gene therapy. Lipid neurotransmission. Other techniques                                                                         (Dr. Andrés Ozaita)

SEMINARS

Seminar 1. Neuronal function and current studies: Viagra, synaptic protection and memory (Dr. José M. Fernández).

Seminar 2. Molecular and cellular basis of neuropathology: Why does the head ache? (Dr. Elisa Cuadrado).

Seminar 3. Speech and language formation (Dr. Adriana Castro).

Seminar 4. New Perspectives in the Treatment of Neurological Diseases: Plants from witches (Dr. Rafael Maldonado).

Seminar 5. New Perspectives in the Treatment of Neurological Diseases: Depressed: to be or not to be (Dr. Patricia Robledo).

Seminar 6. Current perspectives on the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder  (Dr. Patricia Robledo)

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

The students will choose in pairs a research article from the list provided at the website of the subject. They will carry out Chalk Talks consisting of oral presentation during 15 minutes to their classmates and teaching staff on the chosen articles.

PRACTICAL SESSIONS

Practical session 1. Analysis by images of neuropathology. Practique lesson performed in the laboratories of CETIR to understand the current methods of diagnosis by images and its limitations (Dr. Eduard Riera and Dr. Francisco J. Muñoz).

* This practical session is not mandatory but optional. Students should send an e-mail to the coordinator confirming attendance on the indicated day from 10,00 to 13,00.

Teaching Methods

Lectures, Seminars, Problem solving and Practical Sessions. Working individually and in groups. Emphasis will be made on article reading, problem solving and group work. Assay and paper presentations by students (Chalk Talks).

At the end of the subject, the students will make an oral presentation to their classmates and teachers. Every student will select a topic from a list, or they may propose their own related to the subjects of the course. 

Evaluation

The assessment will be based on academic performance in the following tests, and on a scale from 0 to 10: 

50%: Written test. There will be two written tests (short questions and problems), one for the first two blocks, lessons 1-6, and a second one for the remaining two blocks, lessons 7-12. The final mark will be the average of the two exams. Each exam will be marked on a scale of 10.

20%: Work in seminars. This will be evaluated during the activities of the seminars and discussion groups.

30%: Oral presentation. Oral presentations will be carried out at the end of the subject.

Requirements: To overcome the activity, the student must participate in scheduled activities and add up to 5 points (50%) or higher among the different activities mentioned above. However, note that the mark obtained in each of the written tests must be above 5 over 10 to allow further consideration.

Criteria for the recovery: Students that after the evaluation process have not passed the course, have the option of a recovery test in the month of July. This will be a written test (short questions & problems) on the lessons of the syllabus above. In no case the activity assessed during the teaching process can be recovered and the student will maintain qualification obtained during the course. Therefore, the final grade will correspond with results of the recovery test with the abovementioned requirements, plus the results of the continuous evaluation.

There will be a period of recovery during the month of July on the dates established by UPF for all subjects taken in the trimester. Only those students who have completed all the compulsory activities (seminars, internships, work, continuous evaluation ...) will be able to do the proof of recovery in accordance with the teaching plan for each subject. It is not necessary to do the normal accreditative evaluation to opt to the July recovery exam. Students who study subjects in other universities in any exchange program cannot opt for the recovery of those subjects at the UPF.

Bibliography and information resources

Textbooks 

KANDEL, ER, SCHWARTZ JH, JESSEL, TM SIEGELBAUM SA AND HUNDSPETH, A.J. (2013) Principles of Neural Science. Fifth Edition. McGraw-Hill, New York, USA 

PURVES, D., HEAD, A., HUETTEL SA, LABAR KS, PLATT ML WOLDORFF, MG (2013) Principles of Cognitive Neuroscience, Second Edition., Sinauer Ass. Inc. Publishers, USA