It is assumed that students already have basic knowledge of Neurobiology, Neuroembryology, Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology, which must be demonstrated by a certificate of university studies showing that they have passed a subject(s) with this content.The subject of 'Neuroscience' aims to address more advanced knowledge about frontier research in this field.

Based on the fact that students have previously learned the basics of neurobiology (knowledge of neurohistology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology), this course aims to offer novel aspects and frontier research in the field of neuroscience, highlighting the implications it may have in the medical field. Special emphasis will be put on the implication of research advances to understand the mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders, mental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and ageing.

CG1 Recognize the essential elements of the medical profession, including ethical principles and legal responsibilities.

CG7. Understand and recognize the normal structure and function of the human body, at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organic and systems levels, at different stages of life.

CE23. To know the morphology, structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous system.

CE24. Growth, maturation and ageing of the various systems

CE29. Recognize with macroscopic and microscopic methods and imaging techniques the morphology and structure of tissues, organs and systems.

Syllabus

The content will be distributed in five thematic blocks or Topics.

Lectures and Seminaries:

Topic 1. Advances in research on prenatal development of the Nervous System (NS) and NS malformations. Prof. Loreta Medina

Topic 2. Advances in research on epigenetics in postnatal development and the plasticity of the nervous system, and its relationship with mental disorders Prof. Ester Desfilis

Topic 3. Advances in basic research on neurodegenerative diseases affecting motor neurons (MNs). Prof. Olga Tarabal

Topic 4. Advances in clinical research on neurological diseases. Prof. Gerard Piñol

Topic 5. Advances in ageing research of NS. Prof. M. Victoria Ayala

Laboratory practices:

- Practical class 1 and 2: Recordingss of intracellular calcium for the study of excitotoxicity in motor neurons. 4 h . Prof. Olga Tarabal

- Practical class 3 and 4: Analysis of the composition of fatty acids in the CNS. 4 h. Prof. M. Victoria Ayala

Theoretical classes, seminars and practices will be held. To facilitate the study, and when possible, teaching materials will be posted on Sakai (including powerpoint or pdf of the classes, and scientific articles relevant to each topic for comment and discussion in class).

A. Criteria for passing:

- Continuous evaluation and class attendance: Attendance and participation in class will be monitored, considering each content block separately (see the blocks in the contents section and in point B below). Overall, attendance and participation in 80% or more of classes will correspond to a "B" (8 out of 10); attendance and participation in 60-79% of classes will correspond to a "C" (6 out of 10). Below this participation, an exam must be taken to demonstrate that sufficient knowledge has been achieved.

- Exam: Anyone who has not attended class (less than 60%) or who wishes to improve their rate must take an exam on the contents of the affected block or blocks. In this case, the exam must be passed with a minimum of 5 (out of 10). If the exceptional situation created by the Covid19 pandemic persists, the exam will be taken online.

B. Percentages of each block: It will be proportional to the classes carried out in each block with respect to the total number.
1. Neurodevelopment: 20%
2. Epigenetics: 20%
3. Motorneurons: 25%
4. Neurologic Diseases: 10%
5. Aging: 25%

Scientific articles and updated reviews on the different topics