99112 - Non Invasive Brain Stimulation: Methods and Applications

Learning outcomes

At the end of the teaching activity, the student: - knows the main methods of non-invasive brain stimulation; - knows the applications of non-invasive brain stimulation protocols for rehabilitation purposes in different types of patients; - will be able to critically read an experimental study of non-invasive brain stimulation, to evaluate its methods and results and comment on the conclusions; - will know how to autonomously set up a research project involving non-invasive brain stimulation.

Course contents

The academic course takes place in the first cycle (from November to December) and is aimed at students in the first and second years of the Master's Degree in Neuroscience and Neuropsychological Rehabilitation. The lessons are held at the Cesena (FC) branch of the Department of Psychology, AULA EUROPA 1 - Ground Floor - Viale Europa, 115 - Cesena.

The course aims to provide the acquisition of basic and advanced knowledge on some of the main non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, of the related experimental paradigms (single-pulse TMS, rTMS, MEPs, Theta-Burst, ccPAS, tDCS) and their use in the field of cognitive neuroscience, for the study of the normal and pathological functioning of the brain and as a potential tool for rehabilitation intervention.

The main objective of the course is to provide adequate knowledge aimed at the correct use of the guidelines for applying brain stimulation. The course is also aimed at acquiring the ability to know how to autonomously use the scientific literature on brain stimulation in order to critically analyze various issues of cognitive neuroscience, to establish correlations between cognitive aspects and brain events, to understand the 'use of stimulation techniques and protocols for the evaluation of the normal and pathological functioning of the human brain and for treatment in the clinical setting.

Readings/Bibliography

Scientific articles and other material related to the lectures (e.g. slides) will be available on the course website. The study of the teaching material is necessary to pass the final exam.

Teaching methods

Lessons in which the topics of the program are addressed and discussed in a manner, the discussion of neuroscientific articles, individual works (presentation of research projects that involve the use of non-invasive frontal brain exercise techniques) with the presentation to the class.

Assessment methods

Verification of learning will take place through the final exam in oral mode, which ascertains the acquisition of the expected knowledge about the basic principles of operation and use of the main brain stimulation techniques for the study of cognitive processes in the healthy individual and for patient rehabilitation; use of the guidelines of the main stimulation techniques in studies on healthy volunteers and in the clinical setting; ability to explain in a clear and articulated way the theoretical premises, the structure, the method and the results of research and to be able to express one's own interpretations, ideas, and conclusions in an autonomous way.

The exam consists of an oral test, with open questions relating to the topics in the exam program, with specific reference to the lessons and material suggested for the preparation of the exam. The exam is rated out of thirty.

During the exam, the use of support material such as slides, notes, and computer support is not allowed.

To take the exam, it is necessary to register via the Almaesami application, in compliance with the deadlines set. Those who fail to register due to technical problems by the scheduled date are required to promptly communicate (and in any case before the official closure of the registration lists) the problem to the didactic secretariat and send an email to Prof. Sara Borgomaneri.

It will be the faculty of the professor to admit them to take the test.

Teaching tools

Slides (PowerPoint), research articles and video clips.

Office hours

See the website of Sara Borgomaneri