Applying engineering to neuroscience, the silver thread of the course will be the analysis of the human brain at different level of integration: from the single cell to small neural networks up to organ level, quantitatively measuring brain metabolism and studying complex brain functions such as neural control of muscle synergies, visual-sensory integration, and dual tasking.

The student will acquire the knowledge of currently available and emerging technologies for interfacing with the human brain. The student will obtain the ability to acquire real brain signals and process these signals using Matlab algorithms. Soft skills will also be developed such as: the ability to work in a team to deal with a laboratory assignment mimicking a real-world problem; the competence to analyze information in the literature and apply that information to a novel problem; and the capability to communicate effectively the methodological choices adopted to solve a problem.

Basic knowledge of mathematics, physics, informatics, and mechanical, chemical and electrical bioengineering as learned in the 3-year program of Biomedical Engineering.

1. Functional neuroanatomy and neurophysiology 2. Neurobiological engineering: from the single cell to small networks 2.1 Single cell transmembrane potential detection, electrodes and circuits, voltage clamp technique 2.2 Microelectrode Arrays (MEAs) to study electrical activity of cell networks 2.3 Non-implantable MEAs (in vitro) 2.4 Implantable MEAs (in vivo) LAB: Neuronal network simulation 3. Measuring the brain function and metabolism: from large networks to organ level 3.1 Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) 3.2 Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) LAB: Acquiring and processing NIRS signal from the pre-frontal cortex under different types of stimuli 4. Stimulating the brain 4.1 Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) 4.2 Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) 4.3 Vague Nerve Stimulation (VNS) 5. Integration of CNS and PNS: from controlling single muscle force generation to performing complex functional activities 5.1 Motor control 5.2 Muscle synergies 5.2 Clinical applications LAB: Non-Negative Matrix factorization (NNMF) to extract muscle synergies during gait 6. Brain Machine Interfaces: from thought to action 6.1 Invasive, semi-invasive, non-invasive, stimulating, bi-directional 7. Neuroprostheses (motor/sensory prostheses): a vision on the future 7.1 Pre-clinical research: retinal prosthesis (bionic eye) 8. Multisensory integration: single functions for performing complex tasks 8.1 Vision neuroscience and integration of vision with vestibular and sensory systems 8.2 Upright standing 8.3 Postural sway and posturography 8.4 Cognitive neuroengineering: dual task LAB: Processing of COP signals from a force platform during a postural balance task with eyes open and closed 9. Neurorehabilitation using virtual reality: recovering complex functions 9.1 Haptic interfaces and manipulators 9.2 Robotic rehabilitation and exoskeletons

Frontal lessons (39 h) + 4 Labs (21 h). During the Labs the students will work in teams of 4 persons. The frequency to the labs is mandatory to take the final examination.

Slides, articles and laboratory assignments provided by the teacher. Data and signals acquired during lab sessions + Matlab code to get some practice on how to process signals and analyze/interpret data.

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Prova orale obbligatoria; Elaborato grafico prodotto in gruppo;

Exam: Written test; Compulsory oral exam; Group graphic design project;

... The exam is aimed to verify the acquisition of the knowledge and skills described in the Expected Learning Outcomes. It will be composed of 3 parts: - WRITTEN TEST with structured (multiple choice, true/false), semi-structured (exercises, table completion,...) and open-ended questions about the topics covered during the frontal lessons and the Labs. The written test lasts 45 minutes. During the exam it is not allowed to keep notes, or other Course materials, while it is allowed to use a calculator. (Language: English). - LABORATORY REPORTS. After each Lab, the Lab-team of 4 students will produce a Powerpoint presentation with a textual and/or graphical description of the methods used to solve the Lab assignments, the results obtained, and the discussion of the results obtained. Feedback and scores about the Lab reports will be provided during the Course.(Language: English). - ORAL DISCUSSION of one of the Lab reports. The report with the worst score will be selected and communicated to the Lab-team in the week before the oral. The students will have the possibily to include the feedback previously provided by the teacher and to present a revised version of the Powerpoint presentation. Each student of the team will present a section of the report and individual marks will be assigned. Overall, the discussion will last 10-15 minutes. (Oral language: English or Italian at the choice of the Lab-team). The final mark, expressed in thirtieths, will be obtained as the sum of the three following scores: - WRITTEN TEST: up to 15/33 points - LABORATORY REPORTS: up to 10/33 points. - ORAL DISCUSSION: up to 8/33 points. If the final mark is equal to or greater than 31 the Laude will be assigned. The exam scores will be communicated on the didactic web portal, as well as the date in which they can view the written test and ask for explanations.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.