3 ECTS credits
90 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 4021671FNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.

Semester
2nd semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
English
Partnership Agreement
Under interuniversity agreement for degree program
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering
Department
Electronics and Informatics
External partners
Universiteit Gent
Educational team
Decaan IR (course titular)
Activities and contact hours
24 contact hours Lecture
5 contact hours Seminar, Exercises or Practicals
5 contact hours Independent or External Form of Study
Course Content

Context:

This course is aimed at the biomedical engineer that wants to dive deeper into the technological background of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in neurology and neurosurgery. The course covers the principles and pitfalls of acquisition of electrical signals in the central and peripheral nervous system, neuromodulation, brain-computer interfaces and assistive devices. Sections are also dedicated to the use of wearable technology in the follow-up of neurological diseases, and minimally invasive approaches in neurology and neurosurgery.

Contents:

1. Design of neuro-electrical interfaces: circuit model, electrode materials, impedance characteristics, field of view

2. Acquisition of electrical signals from the central nervous system: signal generators, electroencephalography, electrocorticography, single unit recording

3. Peripheral nervous system & neuromuscular junction: nerve conduction studies, myography, artefact reduction

4. Electrical neuromodulation: governing principles, deep brain stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation

5. Brain-computer interfaces and neuroprosthetics: input signals, algorithm design, assistive devices, exoskeletons

6. Wearables: sensors and integration, motion analysis for movement disorders, seizure detection, biofeedback for rehabilitation therapy

7. Minimally invasive therapy: catheter-based procedures, stereotactic neurosurgery, neuronavigation

Additional info

Keywords

· Neural interfaces

· Electroencephalography

· Electromyography

· Neuromodulation

· Brain-computer interfaces

· Neuroprosthetics

· Wearables

· Minimally invasive therapy

Initial competences:

• Principles of anatomy and physiology of the nervous system

• Principles of electromagnetism

• Principles of electronics design

Learning Outcomes

Final Competences

• Design and characterisation of electrical interfaces with neuronal tissue

• Optimization of acquisition of electrical signals from the central nervous system and its limitations

• Principles of electroneuromyography and the pitfalls in peripheral nerve studies

• Modeling of neuromodulation and its different modalities

• Principles of brain computer interfaces and assistive devices

• Wearable integration strategies and their use for neurological diseases

• Minimally invasive therapies (intervential neuroradiology and minimally invasive neurosurgery)

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 100% of the final mark.

Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Oral exam with written prep with a relative weight of 8 which comprises 80% of the final mark.

    Note: Periodic evaluation: oral exam with written preparation
  • Practicum (report) with a relative weight of 2 which comprises 20% of the final mark.

    Note: Permanent evaluation: practicum (report)

Additional info regarding evaluation

Evaluation methods: end-of-term evaluation and continuous assessment

Examination methods in case of periodic evaluation during the first examination period: oral examination

Examination methods in case of periodic evaluation during the second examination period: oral examination

Examination methods in case of permanent evaluation: report

Possibilities of retake in case of permanent evaluation: examination during the second examination period is not possible

Extra information on the examination methods: Periodic evaluation: oral examination with written preparation - Permanent evaluation: practicum (report)

Calculation of the examination mark: Periodic evaluation (80%) + permanent evaluation (20%). Second examination period (resit): oral examination only.

Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Startplan
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Profile Radiation Physics
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Profile Biomechanics and Biomaterials
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Profile Sensors and Medical Devices
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Profile Neuro-Engineering
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Standaard traject (NIEUW)