ID:
500919
Duration (hours):
54
CFU:
9
SSD:
FISIOLOGIA
Year:
2025
Overview
Date/time interval
Primo Semestre (22/09/2025 - 09/01/2026)
Syllabus
Course Objectives
Learning Objectives
The primary goal of the course is to provide students with theoretical and applied knowledge about the neural correlates of behavior. Specifically, the course will cover the fundamentals of neurobiology, micro/macro neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Additionally, it will delve into the anatomical, physiological, and neuroscientific approaches to the study of the human brain.
The secondary goal is to equip students with transversal skills, such as learning scientific English terminology in the field of neurophysiology, the ability to thoroughly understand scientific literature, and the ability to comprehend neurobiological models of human behavior.
Expected Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will:
a) Have acquired the ability to link major motor, sensory, and cognitive functions of humans to the anatomical and functional structure of the nervous system.
b) Have also gained the ability to understand neurobiological models of human behavior.
The primary goal of the course is to provide students with theoretical and applied knowledge about the neural correlates of behavior. Specifically, the course will cover the fundamentals of neurobiology, micro/macro neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Additionally, it will delve into the anatomical, physiological, and neuroscientific approaches to the study of the human brain.
The secondary goal is to equip students with transversal skills, such as learning scientific English terminology in the field of neurophysiology, the ability to thoroughly understand scientific literature, and the ability to comprehend neurobiological models of human behavior.
Expected Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will:
a) Have acquired the ability to link major motor, sensory, and cognitive functions of humans to the anatomical and functional structure of the nervous system.
b) Have also gained the ability to understand neurobiological models of human behavior.
Course Prerequisites
The course does not require any prerequisites. It is offered in the first year of study in the discipline. Thanks to a structured and progressive learning path, students will be able to acquire the necessary skills, starting from the basics and building a solid understanding of the field.
Teaching Methods
In accordance with the University Guidelines for teaching delivery in the 2024/2025 academic year, the course will be conducted through in-person lectures at scheduled dates and times, with the option to access slides and other teaching materials on the university platform KIRO.
For each CFU (25 hours), the course includes:
- 4 hours of lecture-based teaching. During these sessions, the understanding of the neurobiological foundations of human behavior will be developed through the presentation of content using slides, scientific papers, and videos.
- 2 hours of interactive teaching. Special emphasis will be placed on cooperative learning activities, which may also be conducted remotely. Blended learning activities will be developed with students through tools available on the Moodle KIRO platform, such as the creation of a glossary of key concepts, updated weekly, both individually and in groups.
- 19 hours of self-study on the course bibliography and provided slides are expected.
In order to facilitate inclusive teaching, the lecturer provides up to 2 hours per week of reception, by appointment.
For each CFU (25 hours), the course includes:
- 4 hours of lecture-based teaching. During these sessions, the understanding of the neurobiological foundations of human behavior will be developed through the presentation of content using slides, scientific papers, and videos.
- 2 hours of interactive teaching. Special emphasis will be placed on cooperative learning activities, which may also be conducted remotely. Blended learning activities will be developed with students through tools available on the Moodle KIRO platform, such as the creation of a glossary of key concepts, updated weekly, both individually and in groups.
- 19 hours of self-study on the course bibliography and provided slides are expected.
In order to facilitate inclusive teaching, the lecturer provides up to 2 hours per week of reception, by appointment.
Assessment Methods
Written examination with multiple-choice questions. In the written examination, only one of those given for each question is the correct answer, for which 1 point is awarded. Wrong answers are awarded 0 points. The mark is the sum of the points obtained for each question.
It is not advisable to withhold marks more than once. While it is possible to waive a positive assessment awarded, it is not recommended to refuse a mark more than once. In the case of refusal of a positive assessment and a subsequent assessment, the last assessment achieved must be taken into account.
It is not advisable to withhold marks more than once. While it is possible to waive a positive assessment awarded, it is not recommended to refuse a mark more than once. In the case of refusal of a positive assessment and a subsequent assessment, the last assessment achieved must be taken into account.
Texts
Lecture slides, handouts, and further scientific articles will be uploaded on the KIRO moodle platform and/or distributed in class during the course.
Bear MF, Connors BW, Paradiso MA.
Neuroscience. Exploring the brain (Masson, fourth or third edition).
Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 e Appendix ch.7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.
Part I
Chapter 1. Neuroscience: Past, Present and Future
Chapter 2. Neuron and Glia
Chapter 3. The Neuronal Membrane at Rest
Chapter 4. The Action Potential
Chapter 5. Synaptic Transmission
Chapter 7. The Structure of the Nervous System
Appendix: An illustrated Guide to Human Neuroanatomy
Part II
Chapter 8. The Chemical Senses
Chapter 9. The Eye
Chapter 10. The Central Visual System
Chapter 11. The Auditory and Vestibular System
Chapter 12. The Somatic Sensory System
Chapter 13. Spinal Control of Movement
Chapter 14. Brain Control of Movement
Bear MF, Connors BW, Paradiso MA.
Neuroscience. Exploring the brain (Masson, fourth or third edition).
Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 e Appendix ch.7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.
Part I
Chapter 1. Neuroscience: Past, Present and Future
Chapter 2. Neuron and Glia
Chapter 3. The Neuronal Membrane at Rest
Chapter 4. The Action Potential
Chapter 5. Synaptic Transmission
Chapter 7. The Structure of the Nervous System
Appendix: An illustrated Guide to Human Neuroanatomy
Part II
Chapter 8. The Chemical Senses
Chapter 9. The Eye
Chapter 10. The Central Visual System
Chapter 11. The Auditory and Vestibular System
Chapter 12. The Somatic Sensory System
Chapter 13. Spinal Control of Movement
Chapter 14. Brain Control of Movement
Contents
Part I
• Introduction to Neuroscience
• General introduction to the physiology of neurons and glial cells
- Glial cells: types and function
- Neurons. Morphology: body, axon, dendrites; bipolar neurons.
• Rest and action potentials
• Synaptic Transmission
- Electrical and chemical synapses
- Neurotransmitters
- Post-synaptic receptors
- Post-synaptic excitatory and inhibitory potentials, spatial and temporal integration of signals
• Anatomy of the Central Nervous System
• Liquor and blood circulation in the Central Nervous System
Part II
• Sensory and motor systems. Tactile sensation. Proprioception. Pain. Temperature perception. Visual system. Auditory system. Chemical senses: taste and smell. Vestibular system. Motor systems.
The contents of the course will be addressed with consideration of ethical-deontological principles, which, depending on the specific topic, will be described in detail by the lecturer, both from a theoretical point of view and with direct connection to practical activity (e.g. through the discussion of case examples).
• Introduction to Neuroscience
• General introduction to the physiology of neurons and glial cells
- Glial cells: types and function
- Neurons. Morphology: body, axon, dendrites; bipolar neurons.
• Rest and action potentials
• Synaptic Transmission
- Electrical and chemical synapses
- Neurotransmitters
- Post-synaptic receptors
- Post-synaptic excitatory and inhibitory potentials, spatial and temporal integration of signals
• Anatomy of the Central Nervous System
• Liquor and blood circulation in the Central Nervous System
Part II
• Sensory and motor systems. Tactile sensation. Proprioception. Pain. Temperature perception. Visual system. Auditory system. Chemical senses: taste and smell. Vestibular system. Motor systems.
The contents of the course will be addressed with consideration of ethical-deontological principles, which, depending on the specific topic, will be described in detail by the lecturer, both from a theoretical point of view and with direct connection to practical activity (e.g. through the discussion of case examples).
Course Language
Italian
More information
Within the framework of the University's Innovative Didactics activities and in order to promote inclusion, the lecturer guarantees up to 2 hours of reception per week, to be agreed with the lecturer, which may take place either in person or remotely, based on the needs of both attending and non-attending students.
Degrees
Degrees
PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Bachelor’s Degree
3 years
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