Government Pavilion, C/ Padre Herrera s/n
Post Office Box 456
38200, San Cristobal de La Laguna
Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Spain
Switchboard Tel.: (+34) 922 31 90 00
Hours: Mon, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fundamentals and practical applications of transcranial magnetic stimulation
Fundamentals and practical applications of transcranial magnetic stimulation
Overview
This course aims to equip students with knowledge and practical skills in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), including the use of its protocols, the correct application of electromyographic sensors, and the identification of the motor threshold. It also seeks to train students to accurately interpret the results obtained in neuroscience studies.
The overall objective of this seminar is for students to acquire conceptual, methodological, and technical tools related to TMS. To achieve this, the following specific objectives are set:
- That students become familiar with TMS protocols in order to apply them in neuroscience experiments.
- That the students learn to correctly apply the electrodes (sensors for electromyographic recording) and identify the motor threshold following standardized procedures.
- That students know how to interpret the results obtained through electromyography (EMG), their conceptual implications and their relationship with theoretical models.
Students must be between 25 and 64 years old on the date the training begins.
To obtain the micro-credential, it will be an essential requirement to hold an official university degree, issued by a Spanish university or by a higher education institution belonging to the European Higher Education Area.
Likewise, individuals holding university degrees issued by educational systems outside the European Higher Education Area may be admitted, provided that these degrees certify a level of training equivalent to a Bachelor's degree. In these cases, the academic administration will assess the suitability of the admission profile based on the objectives and content of the micro-credential.
Academic program
Module 1. Neurophysiological basis of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS):
● Physical and neurophysiological principles of TMS.
● Magnetic field–neural tissue interaction.
● Stimulation parameters and factors that influence the cortical response.
Practice 1: Introduction to TMS equipment and familiarization with basic stimulation and safety procedures.
Module 2. Corticospinal excitability: indicators and assessment methods
● Concept of corticospinal excitability.
● Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) as an index of excitability.
● Motor threshold and stimulus-response curve.
Practice 2: Determination of the motor threshold and basic recording of MEPs under controlled experimental conditions.
Module 3. Mechanisms of synaptic plasticity: long-term potentiation and depression
● Neurophysiological bases of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD).
● Repetitive TMS and theta burst stimulation (TBS) protocols.
● Implications for research and rehabilitation.
Practice 3: Supervised application of basic rTMS and theta burst protocols.
Module 4. Inhibitory and excitatory mechanisms in the primary motor cortex
● Intracortical inhibition and facilitation.
● Paired-pulse stimulation paradigms.
● Cortical inhibition and facilitation measures.
Practice 4: Implementation of paired-pulse protocols for the evaluation of inhibitory and excitatory mechanisms in the primary motor cortex.
Module 5. Cortical connectivity and its modulation
● Foundations of functional and effective connectivity between cortical areas.
● Introduction to combined TMS/EEG protocols.
● Cortico-cortical associative stimulation (CC-PAS).
Practice 5: Demonstration and guided analysis of cortical connectivity modulation protocols using TMS/EEG and CC-PAS.
The training activities to be carried out during the delivery of the micro-credential will be:
● Theoretical classes: expository, explanatory or demonstration sessions of the contents and knowledge.
● Practical classes: sessions of practical application of the content developed in the theoretical classes, through the resolution of exercises, problems or theoretical-practical scenarios.
● Practical classes in a computer room or laboratory: practical sessions to understand and reinforce the contents of the subject, through laboratory experiments or applied exercises in a computer room.
● Independent work: independent and self-regulated activity of the student based on the documentation and guidelines proposed in the subject, preparation of classes and exams, preparation of final reports, internship reports…
● Tutoring (individual, group…): activity in which the teaching staff attends to, facilitates and guides one or more students in the training process.
● Assessment: continuous assessment tests and final exams. Tests may be in person or virtual, and may be written, oral, or consist of practical exercises.
Regarding the way to organize the teaching to achieve the objectives set out in the micro-credential, the organizational modality summarized below will be followed:
● Lectures/expository method: presentation or explanation by the teaching staff.
● Practical classes: activities supervised by the teaching staff in the classroom, laboratories, clinics.
● Personal study: preparation for tests, exams, etc.
● Assessment: written tests, oral tests, practical tests, …
● Tutoring: instruction period in which teachers and students interact with the aim of reviewing and discussing materials and topics presented in class.
The microcredential will have an evaluation system based on the following assessment tests:
- Objective tests (true/false, multiple choice, test-type, fill-in-the-blank, ordering, etc.): These are measurement instruments that allow for the evaluation of knowledge, skills, performance, aptitudes, etc. The answers are closed-ended, thus promoting objectivity during the scoring process.
- Written works, memoirs, internship reports, and projects: a document prepared on a topic or activity carried out, following the instructions established by the teaching staff.
General information
Credits: 2 ECTS
Duration: 04/05/26 – 08/05/26
Teaching modality: In person
Location: University Institute of Neuroscience
Valued at: €145
The cost of tuition for this Microcredential will be subsidized by the 'Plan for the development of university microcredentials', investment 6 of component 21 of the Addendum to the 'Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan', financed by the European Union – Next Generation EU, year 2025.
Short courses available in various formats (in-person, online, or hybrid). Ideal for learning without interrupting your professional life.
Content created and delivered by professionals and experts in the field, designed for immediate application.
Endorsed by the University of La Laguna. You will receive an official ECTS certificate, valid in the European Higher Education Area.
Teaching staff
