Course

Unit 1:
Introduction to Translational Neuroscience, Definition and scope of translational neuroscience, Historical perspective and milestones in the field, Importance of interdisciplinary collaboration
Unit 2:
Neural Circuitry and Systems Neuroscience, Structure and function of neural circuits, Neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity, Neural circuits underlying behavior and cognition
Unit 3:
Neuropharmacology and Drug Development, Mechanisms of drug action in the nervous system, Pharmacotherapy for neurological and psychiatric disorders, Drug discovery and development process
Unit 4:
Neurogenetics and Genomic Medicine, Genetic basis of neurological and psychiatric disorders, Advances in genomics and personalized medicine, Gene therapy and gene editing approaches
Unit 5:
Neuroimaging Techniques and Applications, Structural and functional neuroimaging modalities, Applications of neuroimaging in translational neuroscience, Imaging biomarkers for disease diagnosis and monitoring
Unit 6:
Animal Models in Translational Neuroscience, Use of animal models in neuroscience research, Challenges and limitations of animal models, Translation of preclinical findings to clinical practice
Unit 7:
Translational Approaches to Neurological Disorders, Stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, Traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury, Psychiatric disorders and addiction
Unit 8:
Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) of Translational Neuroscience, Informed consent and ethical considerations in neuroscience research, Neuroethics and implications of emerging technologies, Policy and regulatory frameworks in translational neuroscience

Preamble
Translational Neuroscience is a graduate-level course designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the principles, methodologies, and applications of neuroscience research in translational medicine. The course will cover advanced topics in neuroscience, including neural circuitry, neuropharmacology, neuroimaging, and neurogenetics, with a focus on translating basic research findings into clinical applications. Through lectures, seminars, case studies, and hands-on activities, students will explore the interface between basic neuroscience research and clinical practice.

Course outcome

CO1: To understand the principles of translational neuroscience and its significance in bridging the gap between basic research and clinical applications.
CO2: To explore advanced topics in neuroscience, including neural circuitry, neuropharmacology, and neurogenetics.
CO3: To learn about cutting-edge techniques and methodologies in neuroimaging and functional neuroscience.
CO4: To examine the role of translational neuroscience in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
CO5: To analyze case studies and research articles to understand the translational potential of neuroscience research.
CO6: To develop critical thinking skills in evaluating the efficacy, safety, and ethical implications of translational neuroscience interventions.

Program outcome (PO)

PO1: Utilize scientific principles and methodologies to design innovative solutions for data analysis, experimentation, and product development for challenges in translational research.
PO2: Recognize the importance of environmental sustainability in translational research and strive to minimize adverse environmental impacts.
PO3: Engage in ethical conduct, leadership, active listening, constructive feedback, and interpersonal communication to facilitate productive collaborations and knowledge exchange.
PO4: Acquire fundamental and advanced knowledge and skills in project management, financial planning, and entrepreneurship relevant to translational research ventures and initiatives.
3 = High Affinity, 2 = Medium Affinity, 1 = Low Affinity, – = No Affinity

Program Specific Outcome (PSO)

PSO1: Addresses the complexity of interdisciplinary sciences in biological and medical contexts.
PSO2: Deals with regulatory affairs in medicine, covering topics such as ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks.
PSO3: Covers compounds as drugs and their efficacy, involving pharmacology and drug development.
PSO4: Explores the intersection of bioinformatics and artificial intelligence in biology and medicine.
PSO5: Deals with technology in personalizing medicine, involving precision medicine approaches.
PSO6: Focuses on communicating and disseminating science and medicine to the public, involving science communication and public outreach efforts.

Luo, L., 2020. Principles of neurobiology. Garland Science.
Squire, L., Berg, D., Bloom, F.E., Du Lac, S., Ghosh, A. and Spitzer, N.C. eds., 2012. Fundamental neuroscience. Academic press.