NeuroTechnologies
NeuroTechnologies (NeuroTech)
The BME M2 NeuroTech track aims to train scientists, engineers, and medical practitioners in the fundamentals of neuronal engineering, equipping them for applications in academic research, industry, medical research, clinical practice, and societal innovations.
Key Objectives
- Bridge the gap for students with backgrounds in engineering, mathematics, and physics, enabling them to apply their knowledge to neurosciences and technological advancements.
- Offer specialized training for biomedical sciences students focused on neuronal technologies and their applications.
- Provide medical students and interns with the technological expertise necessary for advancements in neurological and mental health care.
The NeuroTech track is an integral part of the broader biomedical engineering master’s program, interconnected with other tracks, and focused on specialized technologies and applications within the neural domain.
Audience
- Students with backgrounds in biomedical sciences.
- Students from engineering schools.
- Students and interns in health sciences (medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, etc.).
Motivation
With the increasing availability and power of neuronal technologies, the NeuroTech track addresses the growing need to understand the brain, monitor and diagnose health conditions, prevent or treat neural and mental disorders, restore neurological functions, and facilitate communication and interaction with the nervous system. These technologies have diverse applications, primarily in healthcare, but also extend to key industrial sectors such as transportation, machinery, and robotics, as well as the emerging leisure industry. There is a significant demand for engineers, scientists, and health practitioners trained in neural technologies, with a strong emphasis on health-related applications, while also encompassing other fields of interest
Overview of the Program’s Structure
The program is designed for biomedical and engineering students, while a dedicated sub-track with an adapted curriculum is proposed for medical and other health science students.
Neurotechnologies for health applications involve three fundamental domains of training for any neural engineering graduate:
- Knowledge about the brain, nervous systems, and the functions they ensure.
- Understanding of neurological and mental disorders and diseases through the lens of neuroscience.
- Expertise in technologies used to investigate the nervous system and interact with it.
This core program includes mandatory courses on neurosciences, health, and neural engineering, providing the foundations for a neuro-engineering seminar that explores state-of-the-art applications. The mandatory curriculum also includes transdisciplinary projects in biomedical engineering innovation and an ethics workshop, which is transversal with the other tracks of the master’s program. Students can further specialize through optional courses.
Targeted Professional Domains for Graduates
- Academic research : PhD
- Neurology and mental health practice and research (medical students)
- Translational research
- Industry:
- Research and development
- Clinical research
- Innovation and technological transfer
- Business development
- Start-ups
Courses
Courses are structured into 3 or 6 ECTS Teaching Units T.U, where 3 ECTS counts for with maximum 25 hours of presence time of students and an estimated 60 hours of additional personal work. 30 ECTS are required to validate a semester
Semester 3
Mandatory courses (24 ECTS)
Semester 4
Mandatory courses (30 ECTS)
Elective courses during the Semester 3
Students are required to select two elective 3 ECTS courses from the following options. Two predefined combinations ensure compatibility in terms of content and scheduling. The first combination, focusing on « Neuro-Imaging and Models, » consists of the courses « Neuroimaging » and « Biological Models in Neuroscience. » The second combination, exploring « Neuro Control and Sensory-Motricity, » includes the courses « Digital Technologies for Neurosciences » and « Neural Control of Posture and Motricity. » In addition to these two guaranteed combinations, students can also opt for other pairings that meet schedule compatibility requirements. This may include one external course, pending acceptance. Elective course selections must be made during the application process and confirmed following the admission interview.
Courses presentations
NeuroTech Mandatory Courses
I. Foundations in Neurosciences (6 ECTS)
This course provides the scientific bases necessary for technological approaches to health issues in neurology and mental health. It is divided into two parts:
The Brain and the Nervous System: Covers the structure and physiology of the central and peripheral nervous systems, and the spinal cord at all scales. Topics include neuroanatomy, neural cells, neurotransmission, and action potentials.
Brain Functions: Discusses the sensory and motor systems, speech, cognition, vigilance, memory and learning, and social interactions.
II. Foundations of Neural and Mental Health (3 ECTS)
This course provides fundamental knowledge on major classes of neurological and mental disorders. It also introduces non-medical students to the realities of patient interactions, issues, and expectations for neuronal engineering contributions to diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention.
III. Foundations in Neuroengineering (6 ECTS)
This course covers the fundamental technologies for neurosciences and involving the nervous system. It is divided into three parts:
Monitoring and Recording in Neurosciences: Observing and recording the nervous system, monitoring, and recording behavior and physiological data.
- Data, Signal Processing, and Analysis for Neurosciences: Covers signals, images, filtering, feature extraction, and the fundamentals of machine learning and AI.
Stimulating and Interfacing with the Nervous System: Fundamentals in BCI (Brain-Computer Interfaces), Deep Brain Stimulation, and Neuroprosthetics.
IV. Advanced Topics in Neurotechnology (3 ECTS)
A seminar-style course that covers the latest research and developments in neurotechnology. Students will engage with cutting-edge topics through readings, presentations, and discussions, fostering a deep understanding of current trends and future directions in the field.Topics include sensory and motor supplementation, deep brain stimulation, neurofeedback, diagnostic systems, neuro-inspired engineering, and sports. The course consists of seminars and debates presented and prepared by students under the supervision of research staff.
NeuroTech Mandatory Transversal Courses
I. Interdisciplinary Biomedical Seminar (3 ECTS)
This project is conducted in collaboration with the other BME master’s tracks. Its aim is to train students in the development of research and development projects of biomedical interest. From the initial creative phase of imagining innovative approaches and ideas to the art of formulating sound scientific questions, students will learn to set up a research program that includes considerations of funding, ethical issues, and expected outcomes. Projects must integrate learning from the ethical workshop. Specific organization of this course still to be discussed as of October 2024.
II. Ethical, Industrial and Environmental aspects in biomedical engineering (3 ECTS)
This course addresses the ethical considerations and societal implications of biomedical engineering. Topics include patient consent, data privacy, the impact of neural technologies on society, and the ethical dilemmas faced by professionals in the field. Ethical considerations are of paramount importance for all biomedical applications, including research involving humans and animals and assessing societal and climate impact. This workshop, common to all tracks, trains students to be aware of the range of ethical issues and to develop appropriate responses during internships, PhD studies, and other professional activities. Specific organization of this course still to be discussed as of November 2024.
III Research Methodology (3 ECTS)
The course aims to equip master’s students in biomedical engineering with essential skills for conducting rigorous scientific research and generating both applied and fundamental knowledge. Research methodology encompasses a broad array of professional practices applicable across settings, from academic institutions to corporate research environments. It involves competencies in planning and executing research, analyzing data, validating hypotheses, and translating findings into publications and presentations for wide dissemination and application. The course is offered at two levels—basic and advanced. The basic level introduces fundamental statistical tools for quantitative research, emphasizing statistical hypothesis testing, with practical sessions. It also covers core principles of scientific writing and the publication process. The advanced level delves into machine learning, Bayesian approaches, advanced scientific writing, and publication strategies. Students will also develop skills in data visualization, data management, coding standards, and science communication, emphasizing open science and responsible research practices.
Elective (optional) courses
Two predefined elective combinations ensure schedule compatibility and allow students to focus on specific themes. The first combination, « Neuro-Imaging and Models, » combines « Neuroimaging » and « Biological Models in Neuroscience. » The second combination, « Neuro-Control and Sensory-Motricity, » pairs « Digital Technologies for Neurosciences » with « Neural Control of Posture and Motricity. » Students may also choose other elective combinations that align with the program’s schedule, pending time-table compatibility.
I Neuroimaging (3ECTS)
The course focuses on specialized digital signal processing and analysis for imaging, quantification of neuronal images, advanced imaging technologies, and visualization and analysis software. These courses aim to provide in-depth knowledge and skills in cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques.
II Biological models in neuroscience (3ECTS)
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to various technologies and research methods involving biological models in neuroscience. Topics include animal models, microfabrication and microfluidics, cell cultures, organoids, and emerging trends toward cybernetic models.
III Digital Technologies for Neurosciences (3 ECTS)
This course offers an exploration of advanced techniques and cutting-edge methods used to study and interact with the nervous system. It provides insights into technologies for monitoring and analyzing neural, behavioral and physiological data.
III Neural control of posture and motricity (3 ECTS)
This course explores the complex relationship between neural processing and biomechanics, focusing on how the nervous system regulates movement and balance. It covers the coordination of motor control, examines movement-related pathologies, and discusses advancements in neuroscience and biomechanics that aim to restore or enhance motor function. The course addresses both clinical and technological challenges in neuronal engineering, providing a comprehensive understanding of motor control mechanisms.
