Imaging the Nervous System

Code:

MeN_08

Acronym:

VSN

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Neurosciences

Instance: 2020/2021 - 2S (of 08-02-2021 to 31-07-2021)

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Departamento de Biomedicina
Course/CS Responsible:	Neurobiology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MNB	12	Current Studies Plan	1	-	6	42	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students
Obs.: Alguns conteúdos encontram-se em remodelação

Objectives

This curricular unit will provide theoretical and practical knowledge regarding some of the imaging collection and characterization in neuroscience research. Emphasis will be given to the morphological approaches, starting with specimen preparation and going through visualization and quantification. Techniques for imaging in vivo of the nervous system will also be addresses. Besides lectures, practical lessons will allow “hands on” learning in a lab environment.

Learning outcomes and competences

It is expected that the students will develop competence to elaborate a small research project integrating the methods learned.

Working method

Presencial

Program

Tissue processing: Fixatives and methods of fixation

 Specimen preparation (inclusion)

 Advanced microscopy

Principles and applications: Types of microscopes

Sectioning methods

 Immunohistochemistry

Optical microscopy

Confocal microscopy

Electron microscopy

Image analysis

Quantification of neuronal elements (stereology)

In vivo neuroimaging :  Structural and functional MRI; PET

Mandatory literature

Bloom; Fundamental Neuroscience, L.R. Squire et al., 2011. ISBN: 978-0123858702
Keel and Snout; Theory and Practice of Histological Techniques, Bancroft, 2012. ISBN: 9780702042263

Teaching methods and learning activities

The small number of students will allow a close relation between the pupils and their tutors. This will facilitate discussions concerning the syllabus. The students will have access to dedicated bibliography in advance and will be instructed to approach professors at any time they need their support.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Frequência das aulas	42,00
Total:	42,00

Eligibility for exams

minimum attendance of 75%

Calculation formula of final grade

Evaluation takes into account student’s critical capacity and previous preparation for each session, as well as the way they perform at the lab. Evaluation will take into account the student’s critical capacity and previous preparation as well as the way they perform at the lab (CCP), obtained by continuous evaluation. The final mark will be obtained by exam. A 0-20 value range will be used.

Examinations or Special Assignments

None

Internship work/project

None

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Upon examination similar to that of other students. Held at the times provided.

Classification improvement

Through new exam