Neurotechnology and Innovation in Therapeutics
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The Course aims at providing the novel techniques of neuroimaging,
pharmacological and non-pharmacological neuromodulation. By discussing the recent scientific literature, the Course aims at providing to students the tools for a critical vision of these techniques and to
identify the potential use of these methods for both experimental and clinical purposes.
pharmacological and non-pharmacological neuromodulation. By discussing the recent scientific literature, the Course aims at providing to students the tools for a critical vision of these techniques and to
identify the potential use of these methods for both experimental and clinical purposes.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the Course, the students will achieve the following leaning outcomes:
1. Acquire knowledge regarding the methodological aspects of neuroimaging, the implants for
pharmacological brain delivery and the non-pharmacological techniques of neuromodulation.
2. Connect the processes of neural plasticity, networks, synapses to interpret which method of
neuromodulation could be more suitable.
3. Interpret, with an active attitude to the themes, the scientific literature in the field of neuroscience and
neuromodulation
1. Acquire knowledge regarding the methodological aspects of neuroimaging, the implants for
pharmacological brain delivery and the non-pharmacological techniques of neuromodulation.
2. Connect the processes of neural plasticity, networks, synapses to interpret which method of
neuromodulation could be more suitable.
3. Interpret, with an active attitude to the themes, the scientific literature in the field of neuroscience and
neuromodulation
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Course syllabus
The Course will be scheduled into three parts, in accordance with the learning objectives and the expected learning outcomes:
A) Discussion of the innovative pharmacological technologies of neuromodulation, by introducing:
-Implantable devices for intrathecal and intraparenchymal delivery of pharmacological compounds
-Technological implants to disrupt or to surmount the blood-brain barrier for neuromodulation
B) Presentation and critical revision of the techniques of non-pharmacological neuromodulation and neuroimaging. The following contents will be addressed: -Fundamentals of electrical neuronal stimulation and high-frequency block of neuronal conduction.
-Neuroimaging of brain and neuronal peripheral areas I (electroencephalography, magnetoencephalography).
-Neuroimaging of brain and neuronal peripheral areas II (TC, structural/functional MRI, PET).
-Implantable devices and microstimulators; Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).
-Non-invasive neuromodulation: rTMS and tDCS.
-Peripheral neuromodulation of the vagus nerve (Vagus Nerve stimulation, "VNS").
C) Introduction to the concept of genetics/epigenetics in neurosciences and evaluation of the potential translations for neuromodulation:
-Genetics/epigenetics principles in neurobiology.
-Genetic and epigenetic in studies, for clinical and therapeutic translation.
-Methods to study epigenetics in neuroscience "epigenetic neuroimaging".
All these scientific contents will be discussed: i) by taking advantage of examples of direct clinical applicability of neuromodulation. ii) by evaluating the possible added value of non-pharmacological neuromodulation on top of the existing pharmacological standard of care in neuro-psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
The Course will detail these aspects in an open discussion mode, taking advantage of both experimental and clinical studies/trials published in the field of neuromodulation.
A) Discussion of the innovative pharmacological technologies of neuromodulation, by introducing:
-Implantable devices for intrathecal and intraparenchymal delivery of pharmacological compounds
-Technological implants to disrupt or to surmount the blood-brain barrier for neuromodulation
B) Presentation and critical revision of the techniques of non-pharmacological neuromodulation and neuroimaging. The following contents will be addressed: -Fundamentals of electrical neuronal stimulation and high-frequency block of neuronal conduction.
-Neuroimaging of brain and neuronal peripheral areas I (electroencephalography, magnetoencephalography).
-Neuroimaging of brain and neuronal peripheral areas II (TC, structural/functional MRI, PET).
-Implantable devices and microstimulators; Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).
-Non-invasive neuromodulation: rTMS and tDCS.
-Peripheral neuromodulation of the vagus nerve (Vagus Nerve stimulation, "VNS").
C) Introduction to the concept of genetics/epigenetics in neurosciences and evaluation of the potential translations for neuromodulation:
-Genetics/epigenetics principles in neurobiology.
-Genetic and epigenetic in studies, for clinical and therapeutic translation.
-Methods to study epigenetics in neuroscience "epigenetic neuroimaging".
All these scientific contents will be discussed: i) by taking advantage of examples of direct clinical applicability of neuromodulation. ii) by evaluating the possible added value of non-pharmacological neuromodulation on top of the existing pharmacological standard of care in neuro-psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
The Course will detail these aspects in an open discussion mode, taking advantage of both experimental and clinical studies/trials published in the field of neuromodulation.
Prerequisites for admission
To address the topics of this Course, the main principles and a minimal background of Genetics, cellular neurobiology,
pharmacology of neurosciences are required. Finally, a good or optimal fluency of scientific English, both as writing, reading and speaking is strongly advised.
pharmacology of neurosciences are required. Finally, a good or optimal fluency of scientific English, both as writing, reading and speaking is strongly advised.
Teaching methods
The Course will be scheduled into lectures with the use of PowerPoint slides.
The presentation of a topic of neurotechnology/neuromodulation will be structured as a panel discussion among students
regarding published paper (either as experimental study or clinical trial), to stimulate interactive discussions regarding
scientific, technical, clinical and ethical concerns.
The presentation of a topic of neurotechnology/neuromodulation will be structured as a panel discussion among students
regarding published paper (either as experimental study or clinical trial), to stimulate interactive discussions regarding
scientific, technical, clinical and ethical concerns.
Teaching Resources
a) "Neuromodulation: Comprehensive Textbook of Principles, Technologies, and Therapies ", Ed. II, Krames ES, Peckham PH,
Rezai AR. ISBN: 978-0128053539, 2018 Academic Press;
b) "Neuropsicologia Cognitiva" Martin NG, Balconi M. ISBN: 9788871929422, 2013 Editore Pearson;
c) "Neuroimaging per lo studio del cervello umano" Sacco K. ISBN: 9788879477208, 2020 Editore Idelson Gnocchi;
d) "Farmacologia - Principi di base e applicazioni terapeutiche, V Ed." Rossi F, Cuomo V, Riccardi C. ISBN: 9788855321778, 2023 Edizioni Minerva Medica S.p.A. Corso Bramante, 83/85 - 10126 Torino;
In addition, to these base references, the Course will also significantly rely on:
a) the slides of the Course, that will be constantly uploaded on the dedicated MyAriel platform;
a) Scientific papers, which will be online available using the personal credentials for the access to the online library of the University of Milan;
b) Personal notes, links to websites and selected documents. Extracts of the principal concepts, bibliographic references,
videos, links to websites and other possible informatics presented by slides during lessons will be also provided over the
development of the Course.
Rezai AR. ISBN: 978-0128053539, 2018 Academic Press;
b) "Neuropsicologia Cognitiva" Martin NG, Balconi M. ISBN: 9788871929422, 2013 Editore Pearson;
c) "Neuroimaging per lo studio del cervello umano" Sacco K. ISBN: 9788879477208, 2020 Editore Idelson Gnocchi;
d) "Farmacologia - Principi di base e applicazioni terapeutiche, V Ed." Rossi F, Cuomo V, Riccardi C. ISBN: 9788855321778, 2023 Edizioni Minerva Medica S.p.A. Corso Bramante, 83/85 - 10126 Torino;
In addition, to these base references, the Course will also significantly rely on:
a) the slides of the Course, that will be constantly uploaded on the dedicated MyAriel platform;
a) Scientific papers, which will be online available using the personal credentials for the access to the online library of the University of Milan;
b) Personal notes, links to websites and selected documents. Extracts of the principal concepts, bibliographic references,
videos, links to websites and other possible informatics presented by slides during lessons will be also provided over the
development of the Course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Skills acquired and developed during the Course will be assessed by a final exam following this schedule:
A) PRESENTATION OF A TOPIC OF NEUROTECHNOLOGY/NEUROMODULATION. Each student will present, in the form of
PowerPoint slides and as open panel discussions with colleagues, a single experimental study/clinical trial/review on a theme
of neurotechnology/neuromodulation.
EVALUATION DURING THE PRESENTATION OF THE TOPIC:
The presentation will be evaluated according to these criteria:
1) Understanding the rationales, the design, the scientific outputs and the exploitable clinical outcomes of the study;
2) Demonstrating a critical vision of the topic in relation to the knowledge acquired from the lectures;
3) Stimulating interactive discussion with colleagues.
The presentation will be evaluated with a maximum score of 3 points.
B) ORAL EXAMINATION. This examination will test the knowledge and the learnt outcomes achieved from the lectures.
The oral examination is passed if the student reaches a minimum score of 18. The final exam grade will include the points (up
to 3) from the presentation of the topic.
It is mandatory to sign up to the examination through the UNIMIA platform within the predetermined dates for each examination.
EVALUATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCES DURING THE ORAL EXAMINATION: The oral examination will evaluate the following knowledge and competences: 1) Acquire the principal innovative technologies for neuromodulation; 2) Demonstrate a critical approach to the understanding, discussion and applicability of the different techniques of neuromodulation; 3) Critically evaluate the translational aspects and ethical consequences in clinical practice and research.
A) PRESENTATION OF A TOPIC OF NEUROTECHNOLOGY/NEUROMODULATION. Each student will present, in the form of
PowerPoint slides and as open panel discussions with colleagues, a single experimental study/clinical trial/review on a theme
of neurotechnology/neuromodulation.
EVALUATION DURING THE PRESENTATION OF THE TOPIC:
The presentation will be evaluated according to these criteria:
1) Understanding the rationales, the design, the scientific outputs and the exploitable clinical outcomes of the study;
2) Demonstrating a critical vision of the topic in relation to the knowledge acquired from the lectures;
3) Stimulating interactive discussion with colleagues.
The presentation will be evaluated with a maximum score of 3 points.
B) ORAL EXAMINATION. This examination will test the knowledge and the learnt outcomes achieved from the lectures.
The oral examination is passed if the student reaches a minimum score of 18. The final exam grade will include the points (up
to 3) from the presentation of the topic.
It is mandatory to sign up to the examination through the UNIMIA platform within the predetermined dates for each examination.
EVALUATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCES DURING THE ORAL EXAMINATION: The oral examination will evaluate the following knowledge and competences: 1) Acquire the principal innovative technologies for neuromodulation; 2) Demonstrate a critical approach to the understanding, discussion and applicability of the different techniques of neuromodulation; 3) Critically evaluate the translational aspects and ethical consequences in clinical practice and research.
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment (email)
Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari "Rodolfo Paoletti", via Balzaretti 9, Milano