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, 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 Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) 3.2 Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) 3.3 Brief notes on Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI), Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and tractography LAB: Acquiring and processing NIRS signal from the pre-frontal cortex under different types of stimuli 4. Stimulating the brain: neuromodulation techniques 4.1 Non-invasive techniques: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), tACS, Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) 4.3 Invasive techniques: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Intracranial Cortical Stimulation (ICS), 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 BCI classification: Invasive, semi-invasive, non-invasive, stimulating, bi-directional 6.2 EEG-based BCIs: Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs), Slow Cortical Potentials (SCPs), P300 oddball paradigm, sensorimotor rhythms (SMR) 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: Elaborato scritto prodotto in gruppo; Prova scritta tramite PC con l'utilizzo della piattaforma di ateneo;

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES 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. CRITERIA, RULES AND EXAM PROCEDURES The students' evaluation will be composed of 2 parts: - LABORATORY REPORT. 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-problem", the results obtained, and the discussion of the results obtained. (Language: English). - 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 1 hour. During the exam it is not allowed to keep notes, or other Course materials, while it is allowed to use a calculator. (Language: English). The final mark, expressed in thirtieths, will be obtained as the sum of the two following scores: - LABORATORY REPORT: up to 10/33 points - WRITTEN TEST: up to 23/33 points (minimum acceptable score to pass: 10). If the final mark is equal to or greater than 31.5 the Laude will be assigned. The exam scores will be communicated on the didactic web portal, as well as the date in which the students will be able to view the written test and ask for explanations.

Modalità di esame: Elaborato scritto prodotto in gruppo; Prova scritta tramite PC con l'utilizzo della piattaforma di ateneo;

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES 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. CRITERIA, RULES AND EXAM PROCEDURES The students' evaluation will be composed of 2 parts: - LABORATORY REPORT. 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-problem", the results obtained, and the discussion of the results obtained. (Language: English). - 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 multiple choice quizzes will have a penalty in case of a wrong answer, while no penalty will be applied for an absent answer. An exam simulation will be provided through the didactic web portal. The written test lasts 1 hour (Language: English). During the exam it is not allowed to keep notes, or other Course materials, while it is allowed to use a calculator. Within 2 hours after the test completion, the student can decide to "withdraw" the written test, sending an e-mail to the teacher (in this case no correction will be provided). Afterwards, no more test withdrawal will be accepted. The final mark, expressed in thirtieths, will be obtained as the sum of the two following scores: - LABORATORY REPORT: up to 10/33 points - WRITTEN TEST: up to 23/33 points (minimum acceptable score to pass: 10). If the final mark is equal to or greater than 31.5 the Laude will be assigned. The exam scores will be communicated on the didactic web portal, as well as the date in which the students will be able to view the written test and ask for explanations. After the publication of the written-test scores, the student can decide to "freeze" his/her score (only once and within 1 academic year), i.e. the assigned mark will not be definitely recorded. If the written exam will be repeated a second time the new score will be definitely recorded (independently from the score obtained).