NBE-E453002 - Special Course in Human Neuroscience: Brain Circuits: Principles of neuroanatomy in neuroimaging and brain stimulation, Lectures, 2.9.2024-20.10.2024

Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

· To appreciate the differences and similarities between human and non-human primate brain anatomy

· To get acquainted with the Harvard–Oxford Atlas (HOA), basics of morphometric analytics

· To identify structures of human anatomy in the MRI

· To utilize tools for choosing cortical targets intended for brain stimulation treatments

· To apply the neuroanatomy knowledge earned in this course in personalized medicine utilizing neuroimaging tools

· To identify the main brain networks, namely cognitive, affective, and/or autonomic, affected in neurological and psychiatric disorders

· Elaborate upon an example of each brain network

Credits: 3

Schedule: 02.09.2024 - 20.10.2024

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Pantelis Lioumis

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

For any questions, you can contact

the teacher in charge: Pantelis Lioumis (pantelis.lioumis@aalto.fi) or

the TA: Noora Kainulainen (noora.kainulainen@aalto.fi)

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    · Homologies between humans and nonhuman species;

    · The Harvard–Oxford Atlas (HOA) comparative neuroanatomical framework in morphometric analysis, connectivity and multimodal neuroimaging;

    · Aspects of brain anatomy in human clinical and comparative brain stimulation research contexts;

    · Special topics will include neuroimaging in clinical assessment and diagnosis, and utilization of neural networks and connectomics for more precise brain stimulation

    · Classical vs. current methods of understanding comparative brain anatomy

    · Advantages and limitations of current imaging tools, tailored in the context of brain stimulation and TMS in particular.

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    For the credits, the students are required to participate actively in the lectures, prepare small assignments, complete the project work, and participate in the hands-on demonstration. An exam at the end of the course will contribute 30% to the final grade.

  • applies in this implementation

    The course has 3 mandatory assignments:

    • The learning diary (see section "Learning Diary")
    • Special assignment (see section "Special Assignment")
    • Three lab reports after each session (instructions for each under the section of the corresponding lab session)

    Additionally, there is an exam at the end of the course (exact date and time TBA). All of these (so the assignment + the exam) need to be passed in order to pass the course.

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The course will be based on lectures by Prof. Nikos Makris (Harvard Medical School), Prof. emer. Risto Ilmoniemi, and Adj. Prof. Pantelis Lioumis. Prior to the lectures, students will read scientific articles and/or search literature on a specific topic. During the course, they will keep a learning diary. Towards the end of the course, they will choose a project work. At the end of the course, a hands-on demonstration of the importance on neuroanatomy in choosing targets for brain stimulation will be performed.

DETAILS

Study Material

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The study material will be based on the lectures, the learning diaries each student is keeping, scientific articles suggested by lecturers or found by students and on book(s) depending on their availability.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The course is intended for students of Master's Programme in Life Science Technologies and for PhD students who intend to study the human brain by means of neuroimaging and brain stimulation.

    Teaching Language : English

    Teaching Period : Autumn I 2024-2025

Details on the schedule

  • applies in this implementation

    Kick-off lecture: 3.9. at 8.15-10.00 in U135a, Otakaari 1

    After the kick-off lecture: 10.9.- 8.10. at 16.15-18.00 in U149, Otakaari 1


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Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof