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
The course in Pathophysiology of the Nervous System offers an integrated view of the main pathophysiological processes that affect the central nervous system (CNS). Students will learn to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying various neurological diseases, linking them to clinical and neuropathological manifestations. The course combines lectures with the case method, fostering critical analysis, problem-solving, and a translational approach.
Related SDGs: SDG 3 – Good health and well-being; SDG 4 – Quality education; SDG 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure; SDG 16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions, in relation to ethics and the use of animals in research.
Pre-course requirements
Knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system, psychobiology, and scientific English. It is advisable to have previously taken courses in Physiology and Cell Biology.
Objectives
The objectives of this course are to provide knowledge about the molecular bases, cellular pathology, study models, and the latest advances in preclinical biomedical research on nervous system diseases with the greatest impact on society. A clinical approach to the most relevant pathologies will also be provided.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN08 - Explain the foundations of human behaviour and the biological bases that regulate them.
- CN09 - Recognise the effects, mechanisms and manifestations of a disease on the structure and function of the human body at a molecular, cellular and tissue level.
- CN10 - Indicate the mechanisms through which toxins affect the health of human beings at a biochemical, molecular and cellular level.
- CP02 - Apply scientific methodology to interpret practical or theoretical data by evaluating situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
- CP05 - Apply biological foundations in the search for practical solutions to health problems, following ethical standards and scientific rigour and respecting fundamental equal rights between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values inherent in a peaceful society of democratic values that includes inclusive, non-discriminatory language without stereotypes.
- HB04 - Interpret the mechanisms that govern a pathological state and its implications at a clinical and diagnostic level.
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 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 disease, infectious disease
- Clinical neuropathology
- Optical technologies for Neuroscience
- Molecular mechanisms of learning and memory
- Stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases
- Controversial use of animal models for the development of neuropsychiatric drugs
- Ethics in the use of animals for experimentation
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Lectures (CM) (20 hours): Lecture of a theoretical topic by the instructor.
Clinical cases or case method (MC) (10 hours): presentation of a real or hypothetical situation. Students work on the proposed questions in small groups or through active interaction with the instructor, and the answers are discussed. The instructor intervenes actively and, if necessary, contributes new knowledge.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
Fully in-person classroom format
1) Students in the first exam session:
Case resolution/presentations (continuous assessment): 30 %
Final exam: 70 %
2) Students in the second or later exam session: The assessment systems and criteria remain the same, but the continuous-assessment grade will be kept. However, students may, if they wish, retake the different activities/methodologies and obtain a new grade.
General points to be considered regarding the assessment system:- To be eligible for averaging, a minimum grade of 5.00 must be obtained in the final exam.
- Attendance to case method sessions is in principle not mandatory; however, not attending will count as a 0 (zero) for that specific class. Therefore, if unable to attend any session, a justification must be provided to the instructor in advance.
- Exams will be multiple-choice tests with four answer options, where +1 will be given for correct answers and -0.33 for incorrect ones.
- Attendance to lectures is not mandatory, but those who attend must follow the rules set by the instructor. If arriving late, students must enter silently without disturbing or interrupting the class.
Bibliography and resources
The relevant bibliography and resources will be provided at the end of the class.
Evaluation period
- E1 20/01/2026 A08 14:00h
- E2 25/06/2026 A16 16:00h