| Code |
13419
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| Year |
3
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| Semester |
S1
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| ECTS Credits |
6
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| Workload |
PL(30H)/T(30H)
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| Scientific area |
Biomedical Sciences
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Entry requirements |
Basic knowledge of Cell Biology.
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Mode of delivery |
Face-to-face.
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Work placements |
Not applicable.
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Learning outcomes |
This course unit aims at providing basic and integrated knowledge about the structure and functioning of the nervous system.
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
LO1- Describe the organization and anatomy of the nervous system, their types of cells and respective functions.
LO2- Describe the generation and propagation of electrical signals by neurons, as well as how neurons communicate with each other.
LO3- Describe the neuronal structures and pathways mediating special and general senses.
LO4- Describe the organization of the motor system and the modulation of movement by higher nervous centres.
LO5- Describe the brain structures and mechanisms involved in language, memory formation and sleep-wake cycles.
LO6- Exemplify applications of neurophysiology concepts in the context of Biomedical Sciences.
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Syllabus |
Theoretical contents:
T1. Organization, anatomy and functions of the nervous system.
T2. Cellular constituents of the nervous system and their functions.
T3. Electrical properties of neurons and intercellular signalling.
T4. Somatic sensory, visual, olfactory, gustatory, auditory and vestibular systems.
T5. Motor system: organization and motor control.
T6. Higher functions: language and speech; memory; sleep and wakefulness.
Practical contents:
P1. Immunocytochemistry and observation of the nervous cells by fluorescence microscopy.
P2. Analysis of factors that influence action potentials.
P3. External and internal anatomy of the brain.
P4. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of nervous tissue sections and observation by optic microscopy.
P5. Eye anatomy.
P6. Special senses.
P7. Presentation and discussion of multidisciplinary problems, involving concepts from the neurophysiology and physics/engineering areas.
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Main Bibliography |
- Human Anatomy & Physiology, Marieb EL and Hoehn K, 11th edition (2019), Pearson International Edition.
- Neuroscience, Purves D et al., 6th edition (2018), Oxford University Press
- Seeley's Anatomy & Physiology, VanPutte CL et al., 12th edition (2020), McGray-Hill.
- Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain, Bear MF et al., 4th edition (2016), Wolters Kluwer.
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Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria |
Teaching methodologies:
1) Presentation and discussion of theoretical concepts;
2) Laboratory practical activities;
3) Presentation and discussion of multidisciplinary problems, involving concepts from the neurophysiology and physics/engineering areas.
Moodle’s platform is used to make available contents, tutorials, texts, videos and images to support the teaching/learning process, as well as to participate in specific forums dedicated to the discussion and clarification of theoretical and practical concepts.
Assessment methods and respective weight in the final classification: tests to assess theoretical knowledge (65%); tests to assess practical knowledge (20%); presentation and discussion of multidisciplinary problems, involving concepts from the neurophysiology and physics/engineering areas (15%).
Minimum assiduity: 50 % (theoretical classes); 100 % (practical classes).
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Language |
Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
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