Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Physiopathology of the Nervous System
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
Questions will be addressed before or after class. If required, they could also be addressed by videoconference.
Introduction
"Pathophysiology of the Nervous System" covers the study of specific pathological processes of the nervous system, with special focus on the most relevant diseases of the central nervous system. This course will provide fundamental notions for the knowledge and study of these processes, mainly in the context of basic research aimed at obtaining knowledge with clinical application, but also providing a complementary clinical perspective.
Pre-course requirements
Knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system, psychobiology and scientific English.
Objectives
The objectives of this course are to provide knowledge about the molecular basis, the cellular pathology, the different research models and the latest advances in preclinical biomedical research on the diseases of the nervous system with the greatest impact on society. A clinical approach on the most relevant pathologies will also be provided.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB01 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and it tends to be found at a level that, although it is based on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting-edge of their field of study.
- CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) to issue judgements that include a reflection on significant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
- CB04 - That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- CE11 - To identify the effects, mechanisms and manifestations of a disease on the structure and function of the human body at a molecular, cellular and tissue level.
- CG02 - To be aware of the aspects that govern pathological state and its implications at a clinical and diagnostic level.
- CG11 - To be aware of basic concepts from different fields connected to biomedical sciences.
- CT01 - To develop the organisational and planning skills that are suitable in each moment.
- CT02 - To develop the ability to resolve problems.
- CT03 - To develop analytical and summarising skills.
- CT04 - To interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
- CT05 - To use the internet as a means of communication and a source of information.
- CT06 - To know how to communicate, give presentations and write up scientific reports.
- CT07 - To be capable of working in a team.
- CT08 - To reason and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
- CT09 - To have the ability to develop interpersonal skills.
- CT10 - To be capable of autonomous learning.
- CT11 - To apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
- CT12 - To apply scientific method.
- CT13 - To be aware of the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and ageing.
- CT14 - To respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values that are specific to a culture of peace and democratic values.
Learning outcomes of the subject
At the end of the course, the student:
• Identifies the different characteristics of tissues at the cellular and molecular level in different situations of injury, adaptation and cell death.
• Knows the basis of the disease and the most relevant central nervous system pathologies.
• Is familiar with the different research models used in preclinical biomedical research on these diseases
• Knows the basic semiology and has notions of clinical aspects of the most prevalent diseases
Syllabus
• Pathological responses in the CNS: neuronal, glial and vascular reactions to the disease.
• Tools for neurobiology research.
• Movement disorders: Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease.
• Alzheimer's disease, dementias.
• Vascular disorders.
• Metabolic disorders.
• Neuroendocrine disorders.
• Inflammatory disorders: autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases.
• Psychiatric disorders.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Lectures: 50-minute presentations of a specific topic by the teacher.
Clinical cases or case methods (CM): Approach to a real or imaginary situation. Students work on the questions formulated in small groups or in interaction with the teacher and the answers are discussed. The teacher actively intervenes and, if necessary, contributes with new knowledge.
Virtual Education (VE): Online material that the student can consult from any computer, at any time that will contribute to self-learning of concepts related to the subject.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
1) Students in the first sitting:
Resolution of cases / presentations: 30%
Final exam: 70%
2) Students in second or subsequent sittings: The continuous assessment grades will be kept, although, whenever desired, students may repeat their attendance for the different methodologies and obtain new grades.
General points to bear in mind about the evaluation system:
• A minimum grade of 5 must be obtained in the final exam before calculating the average.
• Attendance for the case methods is a priori not compulsory; however, non-attendance at a class will result in a 0 (zero) score for that specific class. Therefore, in case the attendance at any given session is not possible, a justification for absence must be sent to the appropriate teacher well in advance.
• The exams will be multiple choice with 4 answer options, counting +1 for correct answers and -0.25 for errors.
• Attendance at lectures is not compulsory but attendees will have to abide by the rules indicated by the teachers. When arriving late, enter in silence without disturbing or interrupting the class.
Bibliography and resources
Bibliography and relevant resources will be provided at the end of the class.
Evaluation period
- E1 17/01/2024 A08 14:00h
- R1 25/01/2024 A08 14:00h
- E2 28/06/2024 A10 09:00h