Fundamentals of Neuroscience

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Objectives

A UC tem como objetivo principal contribuir para a compreensão das funções básicas do sistema nervoso e fornecer as bases celulares e moleculares da disfunção neuronal associada às patologias do sistema nervoso. Especificamente, a UC tem como objetivos: 

i) avaliar o modo como o sistema nervoso central e periférico funcionam, como as células comunicam e se organizam em circuitos cerebrais relevantes; 

ii) descrever o processo de neurotransmissão, incluindo a ação de neurotransmissores, neuromoduladores e fatores neurotróficos; 

iii) analisar os mecanismos básicos de neurodegenerescência associados a doenças do sistema nervoso; 

iv) verificar a aplicação de novos métodos e instrumentos de diagnóstico e de terapias farmacológicas, genéticas e celulares. Após completar a UC, o aluno deve também obter competências na forma de analisar e apresentar artigos científicos simples, um espírito crítico e desenvolver a curiosidade pela investigação científica na área das Neurociências.

Program

1. Functions of the main areas of the central and peripheral nervous system

2. The cells of the nervous system and neuron-glia interaction

3. Axonal transport and the neurotransmission process

4. Mechanisms of action of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators

5. Action of the major growth factors and neurotrophins in the nervous system

7. Development of the nervous system

8. Neuroendocrine regulation by the hypothalamus

9. The hippocampus and the regulation of memory processes

10. Modifications of the central nervous system in drug addiction

11. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and influence of the aging process

12. Molecular and cellular alterations associated with neuropsychiatric, demyelinating and neurodegenerative diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system

13. Identification of therapeutic targets and the application of pharmacological, genetic and cellular therapies

Teaching Methodologies

Exposure of updated knowledge (manuals with recent issues) and its discussion

Presentation of knowledge objectives at the beginning of classes

Presentation of didactic videos on the subjects of the classes

Presentation of simple clinical cases with some questions, and their resolution

Resolution of questions (formative evaluation), in order to consolidate and integrate the knowledge acquired

TP: Presentation and discussion of recent and simple scientific articles

P: Experimental analysis in the area of Neurosciences

S: Integrating knowledge with other areas

Bibliography

1. Rego, AC, Duarte, CB, Oliveira, CR. 2017. Neurociências. Lidel, Edições Técnicas.

2. Brady S, Siegel GJ, Albers RW, Price DL (2011) “Basic Neurochemistry: Principles of Molecular, Cellular, and Medical Neurobiology”, 8ª edição, Academic Press.

3. Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D, Hall WC, LaMantia A-S, White LE (2012) “Neuroscience”, 5ª edição, Sinauer Associates Inc.

4. Selected review or research papers, sent to the students by email or available in Moodle platform.

Code

0105921

ECTS Credits

2

Classes

  • Teórico-Práticas - 30 hours