Neuroscience

Não aplicável

Not applied

Theoretical classes aim to provide a detailed presentation of the syllabus content, using an expository and integrative methodology, with the goal of encouraging active student participation. The objective is for students to assimilate Neuroscience in an integrated manner, with a global perspective and an emphasis on health applications. During the classes, various materials will be used to offer students the opportunity to apply Neuroscience concepts through the analysis of brain pathologies. To this end, in addition to the exposition of the program, scientific articles and clinical cases relevant to the professional practice in physiotherapy will be made available to the students.

Teach basic concepts about the function of the central and peripheral nervous systems and the

alterations under pathological conditions. Students must:

1 identify the basic units of the nervous system and describe the organization and function of the central and

peripheral nervous systems.

2- describe the biological and molecular processes responsible for neuronal signaling and analyze its

compromise under several pathological situations.

3- analyze the mechanisms of sensory processing. Describe the physiological basis of pain and organization

and functioning of the vestibular system.

4- identify the main changes of the brain from embryonic development to adulthood.

5- analyze the process of the movement and its control

1. Organization of the Nervous System and Neuronal Communication
1.1 Anatomical and functional organization
1.2 Cellular components
1.3 Cytoskeleton and axonal transport
1.4 Action potentials
1.5 Channels and transporters
1.6 Synapses
1.7 Neurotransmitters and neuromodulation

2. Development and Plasticity of the Nervous System
2.1 Embryonic development
2.2 Construction and maturation of neuronal circuits
2.3 Neuronal plasticity
2.4 Exercise and neuroplasticity
2.5 Motivation and reward circuits
2.6 Neurobiology of addiction

3. Sensory Processing
3.1 Organization of sensory systems
3.2 Somatosensory system
3.3 Vestibular system and multisensory integration
3.4 Pain

4. Movement and Motor Control
4.1 Functional organization of the motor system
4.2 Lower and upper motor neuron circuits
4.3 Cortical control of movement
4.4 Modulation of movement by the basal ganglia
4.5 Modulation of movement by the cerebellum
4.6 Postural control and gait
4.7 Motor learning

Continuous Evaluation

Continuous evaluation includes two written tests covering the topics taught in the theoretical classes. These tests will include short-answer and essay-type questions.

Two written examinations (100% - 20 marks), each accounting for 50% of the final grade. The final grade for the continuous assessment is calculated as the average of the grades obtained in the two examinations. To pass, students must obtain a final grade of at least 10 out of 20, after rounding to the nearest whole number, and a minimum grade of 8.5 out of 20 in each examination.

Evaluation by Exam

Completion of a written exam (100%), covering the topics lectured in the theoretical classes and the clinical cases presented in class.

NAO