- Docente: Barbara Monti
- Credits: 4
- SSD: BIO/09
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
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Corso:
Second cycle degree programme (LM) in
Molecular and industrial biotechnology (cod. 8022)
Also valid for Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Health Biology (cod. 8023)
Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Molecular and cellular biology (cod. 8021)
Learning outcomes
This course is a survey of the cellular and molecular biology of the nervous system and is designed to introduce the cell and molecular mechanisms underlying the structure and function of the nervous system. The course is divided into three general topic areas: cell biology of the nervous system, molecular mechanisms in the nervous system and their pathological alterations in neurodegenerative diseases. In particular the student will be able to: understand and discuss properly main aspects of nerve physiopathology; use this knowledge for experimental purposes.
Course contents
Cellular neurobiology: cells of the nervous system and their
interaction and communication. Commonly used molecular and
other techniques, as well as in vitro and in vivo models
in neurobiology: from cell lines, primary cultures, co-cultures and
organotypic cultures to animal models. Molecular and epigenetic
mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. Cellular,
molecular and genetic basis of neurodegenerative diseases: dementia
and Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease,
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and prion-related neurodegenerative
diseases.
Readings/Bibliography
Kandel ER, Schwartz JH, Jessell TM. Principle of neurosciences, 4° ed.
Purves D, et al., Neurosciences, 5° ed.
Articles and reviews will be provided to supplement these texts.
Teaching methods
Lectures and class discussion of scientific papers.
Assessment methods
The final exam consists of an oral interview, divided into two parts, which will be held consecutively. The first part will consist of the presentation and critical discussion of one of the scientific paperes examined during the course, at student's choice, with the use of support materials. The second part is aimed at the evaluation of the acquisition of knowledge on all the topics covered during the course. The final evaluation will be the average of the marks obtained by the student in the two parts of the exam.
Teaching tools
Power-point presentations for lectures and scientific papers presentation will be used as teaching supports. All teaching material presented in class will be made available to students in electronic format.
Office hours
See the website of Barbara Monti