Description
Objectives
The goal of this course is to provide theoretical and practical training in the most important neuroimaging techniques, including the basic principles, methods and applications to the study of brain structure and function. It focuses particularly on human brain imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electoencephalography (EEG) techniques. The course takes a multi- disciplinary approach, assuming basic knowledge of undergraduate physics, engineering and biology, and introducing basic concepts in neuroscience. It is organized as a series of lectures and laboratory classes, and it involves the execution of a project. Students successfully completing the course should be familiar with: 1) the basic principles of the most the most important neuroimaging techniques; 2) the methods used for the acquisition and analysis of brain imaging using MRI and EEG; ans 3) the applicability of different neuroimaging techniques to different problems in basic and clinical neuroscience.
Syllabus
1. Introduction; 1.1. Historical perspective; 1.2. Neurophysiology basics; 1.3. Overview of neuroimaging techniques 2. EEG; 2.1. Principles and neuronal sources; 2.2. Acquisition techniques, instrumentation and artifacts; 2.3. Spontaneous activity; 2.4. Brain rhythms; 2.5. Event-related potentials; 2.6. Time-frequency analysis; 2.7. Source reconstruction; 2.8. Independent component analysis; 2.9. Functional connectivity 2. Structural MRI; 2.1. Basic contrasts; 2.2. Tissue-nulling techniques; 2.3. Angiography; 2.4. Diffusion-weighted imaging: acquisition and analysis; 2.5. Image segmentation and registration 4. Functional MRI; 4.1. BOLD contrast; 4.2. Haemodynamic response; 4.3. Acquisition; 4.4. Stimulus/task-fMRI; 4.5. Resting-state fMRI; 4.6. Data pre-processing; 4.7; Statistical analysis: general linear modeling and independent component analysis 5. Other modalities; 5.1. Perfusion imaging; 5.2. EEG-fMRI; 5.3. Optical imaging; 5.4. SPECT and PET.
Prerequisites
Medical Imaging (preferably)
Cross Competence Component
The UC allows the development of soft skills in several of the groups defined in the Relatório Comissão para as Competências Transversais, mainly in the context of the project developed in student groups, and respective presentation and discussion (corresponding to 50% of the final grade). The highlights are the "Critical and Innovative Thinking (Problem Solving Strategies)" components, namely the "Critical Thinking", "Creativity" and "Problem Solving Strategies" components, Interpersonal Skills (group / team work and presentation). of the project), Intrapersonal Skills (autonomy in the realization of the project that promotes the self-discipline and preservation essential for meeting deadlines and obtaining results) and finally the Information and Media Literacy component that is enhanced by the bibliographic research work needed for the realization. the work itself and the corresponding report.
Laboratorial Component
The laboratory component consists of eight 2.0-hour laboratory sessions in pre-assigned weeks. An additional component consists of two 2.5-hour practical classes at the hospital (Imaging Department).
Programming And Computing Component
This UC has a relevant component in computing and programming mainly in the laboratory assignments and the project (50%).
Ethical Principles
All members of a group are responsible for the group’s work In any assessment every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be alble to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.