This course is aimed at examining the human neurosensory systems, focusing on physiological and anatomical studies of the mammalian nervous system as well as behavioral studies in animals and humans. The material is expected to provide a concise, solid platform of knowledge on how the human neural system works, and to give the student biomedical engineer the basic tools to begin the journey of discovery and learning into the field of Computational Neuroscience. The course will also provide benchmark knowledge on state-of-the art technology aimed at replacing specific sensory mechanisms and at diagnosing pathologies related to their functions.
The course is divided in two parts:

PART 1 starts presenting the general structure andfunctional anatomy of the neurosensory systems and the brain organization. Then, it highlights the basic physiology of the ear, as well as transduction, transmission and neural processing of the auditory stimulus. The course further presents the basic physiology of the eye, as well as transduction, transmission and neural processing of the visual stimulus. Basic mechanisms related to visual pattern, color and depth perception, and spatial localization are also introduced. Finally, a brief overview of the somatosensory, olfactory, and gustatory systems is provided.

PART 2 starts with providing basic concepts on advanced signal processing techniques. Then, basic concepts in psychoacoustics, including speech fundamentals, and visual psychophysics, including color coding and color perception, are introduced. The course further highlights critical elements that have contributed to the technological knowledge towards the realization of diagnostic devicesand auditory aids, including recording evoked potential techniques. Technological advances towards the realization of diagnostic devices and visual aidsare also introduced.

Students are expected to gain a solid platform of knowledge on how the human neural system works, on the basic mathematical principles underlying the system’s physiology, and on state-of-the art technology aimed at replacing specific sensory mechanisms and at diagnosing pathologies related to their functions.

More specifically, students will be able to understand basic principles (DD1)  on:

• Physiology of the ear and transduction, transmission and neural processing of the auditory stimulus.
• Physiology of the eye and transduction, transmission and neural processing of the visual stimulus.
• Key concepts related to visual pattern, color and depth perception, and spatial localization.
• How to apply technological concepts and advanced signal processing techniques towards the realization of diagnostic devices and auditory aids. (DD2)
• How to apply technological concepts and advanced signal processing techniques towards the realization of diagnostic devices and visual aids. (DD2)
• Physiology of the somatosensory, olfactory, and gustatory systems.

PART 1

• General structure and functional anatomy of the neurosensory systems. Functional investigation methods. Introduction to psychophysics.
• Highlights on the auditory system. Sound and speech. The external and middle ear. Cochlea, basilar membrane and ciliate cells. The spiral ganglion and the VIII nerve. Brain stem nuclei, middle geniculate, and auditory cortex.
• Highlights on the visual system. Remarks on optics. Structure and function of the retina. Chiasm and lateral geniculate body. Structure and feature extraction in the primary and secondary visual cortex. Dorsal and ventral integration areas.
• Brief overview of the somatosensory, olfactory, and gustatory systems. 

PART 2

• Basic elements of neurosensory signal processing.
• Auditory psychophysics and audiology. Evoked potentials and otoacoustic emissions. External prostheses, implantable devices and cochlear implants. Speech processing: brief remarks. eHealth and Hearing: novel solutions and mobile apps.
• Visual psychophysics. Color perception and coding. Visual illusions. Visual evoked potentials. Ophthalmological instrumentation. Aids for visual impairment. Echography. Basic principles of Laser surgery. Overview on retinal implants.

Prospective students are required to be familiar with the basic principles of physiology, as well as general knowledge on basic methods and algorithms of biomedical signal and data processing. These topics are generally provided within courses at the Bachelor Degree.

Each student is expected to pass two written tests, focused on both open and multiple choice questions related to PART 1 and PART 2 respectively. At each call, the Student may choose to take the exam relative to either both Parts of the Integrated Course or one of the two Parts, provided that he/she passes both Parts in one of the sessions of the academic year of attendance. The exam can be finalized only if BOTH written exams are passed, and the final grade will be the average of the two grades. A further Oral Exam is OPTIONAL and, if taken, it will contribute to 30% of the final grade.