Applied Neurobiology

Course objectives

The course is aimed at providing students with an up-to-date knowledge of mechanisms regulating neuronal circuits formation, maintenance and plasticity, as well as of the main neurotransmission systems. This wealth of knowledge is needed to understand: 1) the role played by genetic/epigenetic factors in nervous system structure and function; 2) neurotransmitter activity; 3) how psychoactive molecules influence the neurotransmission; 4) structural and functional damages underlying congenital cognitive disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Issue of this course will be discussed in light of the most recent break-through of molecular/cellular biology and biotechnology. Knowledge and understanding Up-to-date knowledge of molecular mechanisms underlying the function of nervous system cells, with particular reference to the activity of various neurotransmitters. By taking the course and passing the exam the student will become well acquainted with normal functioning of neural circuits and with genetic and/or epigenetic anomalies responsible of mental retardation syndromes and neurodegeneration Applying knowledge and understanding This course provides the student with the ability to set cognitive abilities, either normal or abnormal, within the framework of molecular and cellular substrates and ontogenetic processes. This specific knowledge nicely complements the overall training the student acquires within the master in Cognitive Neuroscience, making him capable of setting/handling possible interventions with a great confidence and a better interaction with additional professional profiles. Making judgements Issues of this course are discussed in light of the most recent break-through of scientific studies, which exploit various experimental models and approaches. Hence, by taking this course and passing the exam the student will be able to critically analyze organic substrates of brain functions, with particular reference to mechanisms of plasticity both genetically- and epigenetically-regulated. Communication skills Attending classroom lessons the student becomes familiar with terms typical of the neurobiology, genetics and epigenetics, along with methodological approaches of research in these fields. This allows him to develop communication abilities to be usefully spent in various professional settings. Hence, passing the exam would imply the student has acquired/improved specific skills needed for an efficacious scientific communication. Learning skills Taking this course and passing the exam would imply that the student has fully learnt molecular and cellular substrates of brain functions. These abilities are attained during traditional lessons that emphasize and critically discuss the complexity of neurobiological mechanisms, in light of the most up-to-date findings of studies reported by the scientific literature.

Channel 1
MARIA TERESA FIORENZA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The course is aimed at providing students with an up-to-date knowledge of mechanisms regulating neuronal circuits formation, maintenance and plasticity, as well as of the main neurotransmission systems. This wealth of knowledge is needed to understand: 1) the role played by genetic/epigenetic factors in nervous system structure and function; 2) neurotransmitter activity; 3) how psychoactive molecules influence the neurotransmission; 4) structural and functional damages underlying congenital cognitive disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Issue of this course will be discussed in light of the most recent break-through of molecular/cellular biology and biotechnology. Knowledge and understanding Up-to-date knowledge of molecular mechanisms underlying the function of nervous system cells, with particular reference to the activity of various neurotransmitters. By taking the course and passing the exam the student will become well acquainted with normal functioning of neural circuits and with genetic and/or epigenetic anomalies responsible of mental retardation syndromes and neurodegeneration Applying knowledge and understanding This course provides the student with the ability to set cognitive abilities, either normal or abnormal, within the framework of molecular and cellular substrates and ontogenetic processes. This specific knowledge nicely complements the overall training the student acquires within the master in Cognitive Neuroscience, making him capable of setting/handling possible interventions with a great confidence and a better interaction with additional professional profiles. Making judgements Issues of this course are discussed in light of the most recent break-through of scientific studies, which exploit various experimental models and approaches. Hence, by taking this course and passing the exam, the student will be able to critically analyze organic substrates of brain functions, with particular reference to mechanisms of plasticity, both genetically- and epigenetically-regulated. Communication skills Attending classroom lessons, the student becomes familiar with terms typical of neurobiology, genetics, epigenetics, and methodological research approaches in these fields. This allows him to develop communication abilities that can be used in various professional settings. Hence, passing the exam would imply that the student has acquired/improved specific skills for efficient scientific communication. Learning skills Taking this course and passing the exam would imply that the student has fully learnt the molecular and cellular substrates of brain functions. These abilities are attained during traditional lessons that emphasize and critically discuss the complexity of neurobiological mechanisms, in light of the most up-to-date findings of studies reported by the scientific literature.
Prerequisites
Enrolling in this course and passing the test would indicate that the student thoroughly understands the cellular and molecular underpinnings of brain function. Traditional lessons that highlight and critically evaluate the intricacy of neurobiological mechanisms in light of the most recent research findings published in the scientific literature help students acquire these skills.
Books
- An Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Editors: John H. Byrne Ruth Heidelberger M. Neal Waxham John H. Byrne James L. Robert Academic Press. - Elements of Molecular Neurobiology; C.U.M. Smith, Wiley. - Overviews and lesson slides made available by the teacher.
Frequency
Class attendance is not mandatory, although it is strongly advised. This is because the course focuses on specific topics and covers them in great detail. Therefore, attending class and participating in the critical debate helps students learn and comprehend the material better.
Exam mode
The exam assesses the general level of student confidence in the subjects covered in the course, paying special attention to the student's capacity to place complicated brain activities within molecular and cellular frameworks and critically assess potential flaws in experimental models and scientific investigations. Students are encouraged to take advantage of an oral exam in the middle of the course (mid-term test).
Lesson mode
The course is provided as traditional classroom lessons, which address and critically discuss each specific topic, in light of the most updated findings of studies reported in the scientific literature. Selected issues of particular relevance, identified by the teacher, also in light of hints provided by students, will be addressed in depth in focused lessons.
  • Lesson code10600540
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseCognitive neuroscience
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year1st year
  • Semester1st semester
  • SSDBIO/13
  • CFU6