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

Introduction to Neurophysiology

Brain Tissue: Neurons and Glial Cells
Physiological roles of glial cells and their involvement in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

The Cerebral Cortex and Electroencephalography

Cerebral Circulation
Structure and functions of the blood–brain barrier and the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier. Morphological and functional organization of the cerebral cortex. Primary and associative cortical areas. Sensorimotor integration within the cerebral cortex.

Principles of Electroencephalography
Analysis of the main electroencephalographic 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

The Neurophysiology examination is conducted orally. Students are individually questioned on a topic from the course syllabus covered during lectures. If the answer is deemed satisfactory, it is graded on a scale ranging from 18/30 to 30/30 cum laude.

Outstanding grades are awarded to students who demonstrate a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the topics discussed during the examination, together with the ability to apply such knowledge critically, as well as proficiency in scientific terminology and effective communication skills.

A predominantly mechanical and/or memorization-based knowledge of the subject, limited synthesis and analytical skills, and the use of generally correct but not always appropriate terminology result in satisfactory grades. Educational gaps and/or inappropriate terminology—despite a minimal knowledge of the examination material—lead to grades corresponding to the minimum passing level.

Significant deficiencies in knowledge, inappropriate terminology, and an inability to navigate the course materials provided during the course are assessed negatively.

The Neurophysiology grade accounts for one eighth of the final grade for the integrated course Diseases of the Nervous System. A failing grade in Neurophysiology is incompatible with passing the examination for 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