Neurophysiopathology Techniques

The Bachelor's degree programme in Neurophysiopathology Techniques (degree class L/SNT3) Health professions for technical assistance) has a three-year duration.
The programme, which is worth 180 university credits (CFU/ECTS), is designed to produce graduates who are able to perform the whole range of neurophysiological tests used in diagnostics and research (electroencephalography, multi-modal evoked potentials, polygraphy, electromyography, electroneurography, doppler sonography).
Graduates are expected to have a good knowledge base encompassing the morphology of the central and peripheral nervous system, and the physiological mechanisms that regulate their functions. They should also have systematic knowledge of a wide range of conditions, from the most common diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system to muscular system diseases and child neuropsychiatric disorders.
The study plan includes both theoretical and practical classes, as well as internships. As a matter of fact, practical classes and internships play a particularly important role in the training of students. Internships are coordinated by top professors in the field, and student interns are supervised by professional tutors for the duration of their placement.

In compliance with EU standards, Bachelor's graduates in Neurophysiopathology Techniques are required to:
- be familiar with the principles of bioethics, deontology and legal medicine, as applicable to their profession;
- have an adequate theoretical grounding in the basic sciences, with a view to their future application on the job;
- be able to oversee all operations regarding the collection and optimisation of various diagnostic methods (also by using ICT tools) and to draft technical reports on these procedures, upon request;
- be able to take ownership of their own professional development;
- be able to avail themselves of support staff, if necessary, and to contribute to their training;
- demonstrate teaching skills in terms of tutoring students in clinical practice;
- have an understanding of the fundamental biological organisation of organisms;
- understand the underlying mechanisms of how genetic information is passed on and expressed;
- know the fundamentals of chemistry, to the extent necessary to understand the structure of living things and organic compounds of biochemical and pharmacological interest;
- have a good grasp of the theoretical and methodological basics of physics and statistics, to the extent necessary to identify, understand and interpret biomedical phenomena;
- understand the structural organisation of the human body, including its most significant anatomical features and clinical aspects (from a macroscopic and microscopic perspective), as well as the mechanisms governing embryonic development and organ differentiation;
- know the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underpinning life processes and their metabolic correlates;
- understand the mechanisms governing the generation of bioelectrical signals in the central and peripheral nervous system (electroencephalography and multi-modal evoked potentials for the former, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junctions and striated muscles for the latter), and be able to quantitatively measure these signals;
- have developed systematic knowledge of a wide range of conditions, from the most common diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system to muscular system diseases and child neuropsychiatric disorders;
- be able to apply the most suitable methods to record bioelectrical phenomena, by intervening directly on the patient and handling the necessary equipment, in accordance with a work plan designed in close collaboration with a specialist physician (whether for instrumental diagnostics or for neurophysiological research purposes);
- be able to perform specific diagnostic tests (basic electroencephalography and EEG activation techniques; video-electroencephalography; surface electromyography, including participation in invasive electromyography procedures; somatosensory, auditory and visual evoked potentials; sleep polygraphy and polygraphy applied to the autonomic nervous system; participation in ultrasonography, extracranial and intracranial doppler ultrasound);
- master basic and specialised recording techniques applicable to acute patients, patients in the ICU and patients undergoing surgical procedures;
- have knowledge of the different classes of drugs, toxicants and substances of abuse, their main mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, side effects and toxicity;
- have knowledge of the rules on radiation protection laid down by EU directives;
- have knowledge of the core laws and regulations on the organisation of health services;
- have knowledge of the rules of professional conduct and liability, as well as a critical understanding of the ethical principles underpinning the range of choices available to professionals;
- be able to use instrumental methods to determine electrical activity in the brain for clinical and/or legal purposes;
- be knowledgeable about prevention measures to enhance safety in the workplace (both for patients and health workers);
- have computer literacy skills enabling them to manage and use service information systems and self-learning resources;
- be proficient in a language of the European Union other than Italian, in order to be able to update their professional knowledge by reading international articles and papers.