Non-invasive Neuromodulation

Fac. Health, Medicine and Life Sciences

Non-invasive Neuromodulation

Full course description

This course will explore various state-of-the-art non-invasive neuromodulation approaches in detail, with a particular focus on transcranial magnetic and electrical stimulation (TMS/TES). In addition, the course showcases how insights into the pathophysiology of the central nervous system can be translated into clinical applications of non-invasive neuromodulation in psychiatry, neurology, and neuro-rehabilitation. Prominent examples include the application of TMS in depression and stroke. These and many other examples will be discussed, revealing the potential of non-invasive neuromodulation in clinical practice. At the end of this course, students will have a proper understanding of current non-invasive neuromodulation techniques and they will be aware of recent trends and developments for both fundamental and clinical applications.

Course objectives

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO) in this course:

ILO1601-1: To understand the basic mechanisms of action of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial electrical stimulation (TES)

  1. To describe the physical foundation of TMS and TES
  2. To describe the physiological consequences of TMS and TES protocols
  3. To describe, explain, and compare commonly used TMS and TES protocols

ILO1601-2: To understand how TMS and TES can be applied in experimental context

  1. To determine and discuss which TMS and TES protocols are suitable to addressing different research questions
  2. To interpret outcomes of TMS and TES experiments
  3. To gain practical, hands-on knowledge and experience with TMS and TES, including procedural and safety considerations

ILO1602-3: To know about cutting-edge developments and future perspectives of non-invasive neuromodulation

  1. To know about advanced concepts of non-invasive neuromodulation
  2. To discuss current limitations of the field and identify ways forward
  3. To integrate acquired knowledge and skills to reflect on novel applications of non-invasive neuromodulation

ILO1601-4: To describe the current neuroimaging techniques available for neuromodulation.

  1. To discuss how neuroimaging can be applied to improve targeting in neuromodulation
  2. To gain practical experience in pre-processing fMRI and EEG data in the context of a multimodal NIBS experiment
  3. To describe the state of the art in novel research and clinical applications of multimodal NIBS

ILO1602-5: To describe and discuss the applications of TMS in psychiatry

  1. To know about the pathophysiology of depression
  2. To explain current treatment approaches in psychiatry with TMS
  3. To gain practical, hands-on knowledge and experience with the implementation of a TMS treatment session

ILO1602-6: To describe and discuss the applications of TMS in neurology and neurorehabilitation

  1. To understand the use of TMS as a diagnostic and prognostic tool
  2. To explain current treatment approaches in neuro-rehabilitation with TMS
  3. To gain practical, hands-on knowledge and experience with the combination of TMS and electromyographic recordings

Recommended reading

This course almost exclusively relies on recent scientific articles published in international peer-reviewed journals. On rare occasions, a text book may be used to provide basic knowledge required for a topic.

MBS1602
Period 4
10 Mar 2025
9 May 2025
Print course description
ECTS credits: 
10.0
Instruction language: 
English
Coordinator:
  • H.P. Leunissen
Teaching methods: 
Lecture(s), Work in subgroups, Paper(s), PBL, Presentations, Skills, Assignment(s)
Assessment methods: 
Attendance, Final paper, Presentation, Written exam, Assignment