Introduction to Neurobiology (19763)

The course Developmental Neurobiology has the general objective of providing students with a deep understanding of the cellular and molecular processes that govern the development of the nervous system from embryonic stages to adulthood.. Additionally, the development of sensory and motor functions will be examined, along with the main neurodevelopmental disorders. This course offers an essential foundation for understanding how the nervous system is built and how its formation influences function and neurological disease.

K8: Knows the molecular and cellular basis of nerve impulse generation and transmission. Knows the different types of cells of the nervous system, and how their supracellular structures are established and organised. Knows the anatomical structure of the nervous system at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. S1: Uses a variety of techniques to find, manage, integrate and critically evaluate available information for the development of professional activities in Neuroscience, especially in the digital sphere S4: Uses their ability to analyse and synthesise, as well as to apply the principles of the scientific method in the work environment, in order to provide innovative responses to the needs and demands of society in their area. S5: Appropriately uses the scientific and technical vocabulary of the different subfields within Neuroscience. C1: Apply knowledge about the biological basis of Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders and their effects to the development of improved diagnostics and treatments. C2: Apply knowledge about the organisation, structure and function of the Central Nervous System (CNS) to contribute to the evolution and improvement of technologies and systems for computing, data handling and analysis. C5: Apply your neuroscience knowledge in a unifying and integrated fashion as part of a multidisciplinary team (pharmaceutical sector, health industry, diagnostic techniques, health information technologies, government agencies and regulatory bodies. C6: Apply the results of your comprehensive training to your everyday professional activities, combining Neuroscience knowledge with a solid foundation of ethical responsibility and respect for fundamental rights, diversity and democratic values. C7: Apply the scientific and technical principles you acquired during your undergraduate training, together with your own natural learning capabilities, to better adapt to novel opportunities arising from scientific and technological development.

1. Introduction: Development of the nervous system, Model organisms, Cell differentiation and histogenesis, Differential gene expression and signalling. 2. CNS Morphogenesis. Polarity and Segmentation. Axis establishment (anterior-posterior and dorso-ventral). 3. Neural Diversity and Differentiation. Embryonic neurogenesis and gliogenesis, progenitor cells. Molecular mechanisms of signalling, proliferation and death. Neuronal migration. 4. Neural circuits. Axonal growth (dynamics, mechanisms and molecules involved). Establishment of circuits. Topographical maps. 5. Metabolism and neuronal death. Reorganisation of neuronal networks. 6. Sensory systems. The course presents a broad overview of the fundamental principles of neural development and is organised by ontogeny, starting with early neural development, followed by patterning, axonal guidance and synapse formation. Throughout the course, each section will be placed in a comparative evolutionary framework, using both invertebrate and vertebrate systems.

Classroom lectures. Face-to-face workshops and seminars Student individual work. Final exam. Seminars and lectures supported by computer and audiovisual aids. Individual and group tutorials to resolve doubts and queries about the subject. Laboratory sessions.