510344 - NEURAL BASIS OF BEHAVIOUR AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGY

courses

ID:

510344

Duration (hours):

48

CFU:

SSD:

PSICOBIOLOGIA E PSICOLOGIA FISIOLOGICA

Year:

2025

Date/time interval

Secondo Semestre (02/03/2026 - 12/06/2026)

Course Objectives

The teaching defines the neural bases of instinctive, motivated behaviors and higher functions. Through the training course the student will acquire knowledge relating to the nervous circuits involved in specific behavioral processes and their modulation operated by neuromodulatory systems. The expected learning outcomes are the following: - Knowledge of nervous structures, their functioning and modulation underlying homeostatic behaviors (intake of food, liquids and salt hunger, sexual behavior and care of offspring, the sleep cycle /wakefulness and circadian rhythms).
Knowledge of nervous structures, their functioning and modulation underlying emotions and motivated behaviors. - Knowledge of nervous structures, their functioning and modulation underlying higher functions (learning and memory, attention, spatial perception and orientation in space, language, functions of the associative areas, lateralization of functions brain).

Course Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of cellular neurophysiology (membrane potential, action potential, sensory physiology, synaptic transmission and plasticity), functional techniques applied to neuroscience (intra- and extracellular electrophysiological derivations, fMRI, PET, EEG, EMG ) and genetics and neuroanatomy.

Teaching Methods

The course is organized in frontal lessons using presentations (PowerPoint) projected on the screen and the use of the blackboard. Inclusive teaching methods (e.g. private reception) for eligible students will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Assessment Methods

The learning assessment consists of a written test consisting of: - T/F questions and multiple choice questions, to verify the student's ability to answer specific questions; Questions that ask you to explain the meaning or define specific terms, aimed at verifying understanding of the terminology used during lessons; Questions that require a brief description of a process or specific behavior. The weight (score) of the individual questions is indicated. The results of the written assignment are communicated via email to the students. The written test is followed by an oral test on a topic chosen by the student. The rating scale is in thirtieths.
Feedback

Texts

Reviews on Peer Reviewed Journal
- Principles of Neurosciences - Kandel 2021 McGraw Hill Education
- Fondamenti di Fisiologia - 2018 Ediermes
- Physiology of Behaviour - 2017 Carlson - Pearson

Investigation methodologies in cognitive neuroscience. The functions of the associative cortices. Description of the cellular determinants, of the brain areas involved and their modulation in specific behaviors. Food intake. Thirst and hunger for salt. Sexual and parental behavior. The sleep/wake cycle. Circadian rhythms. Learning and memory in Aplysia. Non-associative and associative learning. Spatial learning. Declarative memory in mammals. Procedural memory. The emotions. Selective attention and spatial attention. The motivation. Mirror neurons. Communication and language.

Course Language

English

More information

For students with disabilities or DSA, student workers, students involved in caring for their family members, student parents, students at risk of dropping out, student athletes, the teacher will be available "ON DEMAND" through in-person meetings or through online platforms to understand the student's problems and find the most appropriate solutions.