Neuroscience applied to clinical neurology

The first widely accepted definition of Neurology was proposed in 1918 by von Monakow. According to this author, Neurology is the science of the structure and function of the nervous system in health and disease. Since then, Neurology has established itself as the branch of Neuroscience with the greatest practical utility for human beings. Later, in 1957, during the First International Congress of Neurological Sciences, held in Brussels, the definition proposed by Sir Francis Walshe was accepted, which is still valid today: "Neurology is the science that studies the morphology and physiology of the nervous system, its chemistry and physics, in its normal state and altered by disease and aggression... for a practical purpose: the cure and prevention of disease affecting the human nervous system."
This pragmatic goal of Neurology requires the development of translational research, which, based on the work of basic disciplines, seeks to apply these approaches to alleviate neurological diseases, which currently constitute the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in our environment. The aging of the population implies a progressive increase in neurodegenerative diseases, which will continue to increase for at least the next 50 years.
This Neurology course for MASTER'S IN NEUROSCIENCE students has been designed from these foundations: knowledge of human neurological diseases and the applicability of basic and clinical research in the search for new knowledge about the structure and function of the normal nervous system and that altered by disease, and in the identification of new diagnostic, prognostic, and, above all, therapeutic targets.

1) Course presentation
Theoretical program (6 hours)
1) Cellular basis of neurological diseases
2) Genetic basis of neurological diseases
3) Molecular basis of neurological diseases
4) Applied research in clinical neurosciences
5) What is science? Past, present, and future of this adventure
6) Research management in clinical neurosciences
Interactive classes (22 hours)
Theoretical seminars
1) Application of cell cultures in neurological research.
2) Biochemical methods applied to research on neurological diseases.
3) Nanomedicine in neurological diseases.
4) Personalized therapeutics in neurology: neuroimaging biomarkers.
5) Stem cells and cell therapy.
6) Application of animal models in neurological research.
7) Personalized therapeutics in neurology: molecular biomarkers.
b) Practical seminars
1) Obtaining and managing cell cultures in neuroscience.
2) Animal models of cerebral ischemia and hemorrhage in rodents.
3) Animal models of neurodegenerative diseases and functional exploration of experimental animals in neuroscience.
4) Advanced neuroimaging techniques: magnetic resonance imaging.
5) Biochemical/cytological studies of peripheral blood samples.

ZARRANZ, J.J. Neurology. Elsevier Science. Madrid, 2015.
BRADLEY, W.G., DAROFF, R.B., FENICHEL, G.M., MARSDEN, C.D. (eds.) Neurology in Clinical Practice. Butterworth Heinemann, Boston, 2005.

To prepare students for knowledge of Clinical Neuroscience by providing them with:
1) Methodological training to collect and measure the phenomena produced by the disease, as well as knowledge of experimental techniques that explore the causes of the mechanisms of neurological diseases and their possible modification by therapeutics.
2) Knowledge of in vitro and in vivo experimental models in Neuroscience research.
3) Knowledge for approaching Neuroscience research studies.

A program structured around mandatory theoretical hours has been developed, in which the necessary theoretical knowledge will be taught. Practical work will be conducted in the Clinical Neuroscience Laboratory by an interdisciplinary team of experienced researchers, including physicians, biologists, chemists, and physicists. Students will gain firsthand knowledge of the most advanced experimental techniques in the field of neuroscience. Finally, students will be asked to present a report on a neurology-related topic.

1) Attendance is mandatory.
2) Multiple-choice exam: 4 possible answers/1 correct answer. One correct answer is subtracted for every 3 errors.
3) Voluntary work on the seminars.
The exam will be held on the last day of class in the Clinical Neuroscience Research Laboratory (LINC) classroom at the Santiago de Compostela Health Research Institute (IDIS), located on floor 4 of the University Clinical Hospital.

Work hours in the classroom
Lectures 6
Interactive classes: Seminars or practicals 22
Assessment activities 2
Total hours 30

Individual study 15
Preparation of practical reports and assignments 15
Total student personal work hours 30

- Attendance and active participation in classes and seminars.
- Study and review of the material taught, using bibliographical material and material provided by the instructors.