Mechanisms of neuronal differentiation, development and function
Code
1091009
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Médicas
Department
Neurosciences
Credits
5
Teacher in charge
César Mendes
Teaching language
English
Objectives
The objective of this curricular unit is the acquisition of basic concepts of molecular neuroscience. Namely, to learn the molecular mechanisms involved in processes ranging from neuronal specification, to the development of mature functional neurons. Besides learning the syllabus, students should become familiar with the experimental approaches used in this area, in order to know how to answer relevant scientific questions. In class, the students will attend seminars lectured by specialists in each of the covered areas. They will also read relevant scientific papers, and will be have to try to extract the information learned previously. Students will then be challenged to present papers to their peers and to discuss them critically, presenting the weak and strong points of each paper, the methodologies used, and possible alternative conclusions that can be drawn. At the end of this module, students should be able to integrate the learned information and conceive a small project that uses concepts and techniques learned during this curricular unit.
Prerequisites
N/A
Subject matter
Students should acquire knowledge and concepts on the following topics of basic mechanisms of molecular neuroscience: Neuroblast to neuron specification; Neuronal migration and pathfinding; Synaptogenesis; Mechanisms of synaptic growth and maintenance; Neuronal communication; Synaptic plasticity; Glia in the nervous system; Neurodegeneratione neuroregeneration.
Bibliography
Teaching method
Teaching will be based on a combination of research seminars, workshops, journal clubs, together with practical classes, whenever possible. Teaching will be centered on the students, with the objective of making them independent and capable to conceive and develop a project in the area of molecular neurobiology. Typically, the optional advanced courses will be based on a combination of seminars and more work performed by the student. The evaluation will be based on the discussion and presentation of the work done by the student, its participation in the curricular unit, and in a written test which will allow to level all students for the application of knowledge acquired during the courses to concrete situations related with molecular neuroscience.
Evaluation method