Cellular and Molecular Biology

DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY

DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY

Academic year 2019/2020

Sommario del corso

• Course objectives
• Results of learning outcomes
• Course delivery
• Learning assessment methods
• Program
• Suggested textbooks and readings
• Teaching tools

Course objectives

This course contributes to the learning goals of the Neurobiological curriculum of the Master in Cellular and Molcula Biology. 

The main objective is to guide students to understand the genesis of the complexity of the nervous system, by developing research skills and critical readings of scientific papers dealing with different aspects of neural development. Through the analysis of the most recent literature based on different animal and in vitro models, the students will acquire knowledge on the principles and  cellular/molecular mechanisms  underlying normal development of the nervous system, as well as the neurobiological  bases of neurodevelopmental disorders. 

Results of learning outcomes

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

• identify  fundamental concepts in developmental biology 
• use appropriate terminology in developmental biology
• explain the principles of  neural induction (molecular mechanisms and conservation among metazoa)
• associate specific genes to acquisition of regional identity in the developing nervous system
• define what is an organizing center in developing brain and provide examples
• describe the cellular/molecular mechanisms underlying  neural circuit development
• identify the features and potential of neural stem/progenitors cells and define their regulation by cell-autonomous vs non autonomous factors.
• link specific cellular/molecular dysfunctions to neurodevelopmental disorders

 APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

• identify the best  model systems to address specific scientific questions in developmental neuroscience 
• grasp the core concept of a scientific paper 
• find and elaborate data related to gene expression/distribution in the developing nervous system starting from public availabe resources (i.e. Allen Brain Atlas)
• find possible experimental approaches and choose the right technology to address specific questions in the field of developmental neuroscence
• write a research project 

INDEPENDENT JUDGEMENT

• interpretation and discussion of scientific data.
• peer revision of other students tasks 

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• presentation of scientific papers and/or active participation to scientific discussion following lectures and seminars. 
• presentation of a research project.
• writing of short reports on scientific papers.

LEARNING SKILLS

• learning skills will be fostered through activities with peers working in group 

Course delivery

During the course, the students will be weekly guided to specific topics related to the main questions and established knowledge in the field of neurodevelopmental research through short video-lectures, Instant Notes and external resources on the moodle platform. Lecture-based classes using the webex platform will be also organized for specific topics. Readings of scientific articles and online activities on moodle platform will be assigned to the students and monitored by the teacher. 

Learning assessment methods

Tasks and activities during the course will be evaluated and the overall engagement of the students will weight 30% of the final grade.

Final exam (70% of the final grade) will be on the moodle platform: it will consist in both closed and open questions based on topics covered in lectures, assigned readings, and online activities, followed by an oral examination.

IMPORTANT: Early registration to the e-learning platform (moodle) is mandatory !

Program

Introduction and basic knowledge in developmental biology; animal models, in vitro models and technologies for the study of nervous system development; neural induction, derivation of the nervous system in different metazoa, origin, role and molecular nature of the neural inducer; neural patterning, Hox genes and antero-posterior axis, dorso-ventral polarity of the neural tube; Cell proliferation and migration in the developing nervous tissue; Neural cell specification, determination and differentiation; Axon growth and guidance; Cerebral cortex development; Adult neurogenesis.

There is no specific textbook for this course. For basic and general reference, see Development of the Nervous System (D.H. Sanes, T.A. Reh, W. A. Harris) Academic Press - Elsevier, 4th Ed.

Specific scientific Articles and Reviews will be uploaded on the Moodle course website.

Websites containing support videos, texts, images and other materials are also indicated.

Class schedule

• Teaching materials
• Exams and finals
• Go to Moodle
• Visit the forums