06551 - Neurophysiology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will have an understanding of the physiological foundations of the activity of the cerebral cortex, the recording of the electroencephalogram (EEG) motor control.

In particular, the student will be familiar with the somesthetic cortical areas and their relationship with associative areas; the main EEG rhythms and their correlation with different behavioral states; cortical motor control and its regulation by the cerebellum and basal ganglia.

Course contents

The Cerebral Cortex and the Electroencephalogram

Cerebral circulation. Structure and functions of the blood-brain barrier and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. Morphofunctional organization of the cerebral cortex. Primary cortices and associative cortices. Sensory-motor cortical integration. Principles of electroencephalography. Analysis of the main EEG rhythms.

Behavioral States and Their Circadian Organization

Behavioral states. Organization and regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Physiological functions during sleep. Circadian organization of behavioral states. The suprachiasmatic nucleus.

Readings/Bibliography

• Berne & Levy Physiology (B.M. Koeppen and B.A. Stanton, Editors), 7th Edition, Elsevier, 2017 (ISBN: 0323393942).

For Reference: Principles of Neural Science, E.R. Kandel et al. (Editors), 5th Edition, McGraw-Hill Education, 2012 (ISBN: 9780071390118).

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures covering all topics included in the program

Assessment methods

During the oral exam in Neurophysiology, students are individually questioned on a topic from the Neurophysiology syllabus. If the response is deemed satisfactory, it is graded on a scale from 18 to 30 with honors (“cum laude”).

Students who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topics discussed during the exam, along with the ability to critically engage with the material, and who show mastery of disciplinary language and expression, receive top marks.

Primarily mechanical and/or rote knowledge, limited analytical and synthesis skills, and the use of correct but not always appropriate terminology, lead to fair or average evaluations.

Gaps in knowledge and/or inappropriate language—although within a context of minimal understanding of the exam material—result in grades that do not exceed the minimum passing mark.

Significant knowledge gaps, inappropriate language, and lack of familiarity with the course materials are evaluated negatively.

The grade for the Neurophysiology course accounts for one-eighth of the final grade for the integrated course on Diseases of the Nervous System.
An insufficient grade in Neurophysiology is not compatible with passing the overall exam in Diseases of the Nervous System.

Teaching tools

Teaching tools for lectures include a digital projector and a personal computer.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) [(https:/site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students)] as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Viviana Carmen Lo Martire