511601 - NEUROIMAGING AND NEUROSTIMULATION TECHNIQUES

courses

ID:

511601

Duration (hours):

36

CFU:

SSD:

PSICOBIOLOGIA E PSICOLOGIA FISIOLOGICA

Year:

2025

Date/time interval

Secondo Semestre (16/02/2026 - 05/06/2026)

Course Objectives

Learning objectives The aim of the course is to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge about neuroimaging methods in cognitive neuroscience. Expected learning outcomes By the end of the course, students will be able: • to know basic principles, data acquisition, experimental designs and data analysis for lesion mapping and neuroimaging. • to know the use of the methods presented in basic research and their application in clinical neuropsychology. • to be able to use voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping techniques (MRIcron and NPM software) and fMRI data analysis methods.

Course Prerequisites

Understanding the course topics requires students to have a basic understanding of physiological psychology (electrophysiology of membrane, spike, rest potentials, physiology of the neural system and of the sensory systems), neuroanatomy (structure of the brain), and neuropsychology.

Teaching Methods

The course is conducted through in presence frontal lessons with PowerPoint slides and practical activities. The slides of the course will be available online on the KIRO platform. The course aims to provide a stimulating and inclusive learning environment that encourages active student participation and promotes a deep knowledge of the neuroimaging techniques and their clinical application. For each CFU (25 hours) there are: 4 hours of teaching in DE delivery mode, i.e., frontal teaching (PowerPoint slides presentation). 2 hours of interactive teaching - DI (guided practical activities and small group work between peers). 19 hours of self-study on texts from the course bibliography and provided slides.

Assessment Methods

Combined written multiple-choice test and oral examination. Written exam: The written examination will consist of 30 multiple-choice questions. Each question is worth 1 point, and the total grade will be between 0 and 30. The minimum score to access the oral exam is 18/30. The written exam will last 45 minutes. Oral exam: The oral exam will cover all the topics discussed during the course, as well as those proposed in the textbooks indicated in the syllabus. The evaluation of the oral exam will be based on the level of depth and understanding of the topics covered and on the clarity of the presentation. The grade will be between 0 and 30. The final score will be the mean between the written test and the oral exam.

Texts

- Lecture slides - Sacco K. Le neuroimmagini. Nuove frontiere per lo studio del cervello umano in vivo. Idlson-Gnocchi. First Edition, 2013. ISBN: 9788879475617. - Berti A, Bottini G, Neppi - Modona, M. Elementi di neuroscienze cognitive. Carocci Editore. Third Edition, 2013. ISBN: 9788843041152. Additional research articles will be provided and discussed during the course.

The course program includes the following topics: - Introduction to Neuroimaging techniques - Computed Tomography (CT) - Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) - Anatomo-clinical correlation method - Stereotactic method - Functional Neuroimaging: methodology, experimental paradigms and their applications - Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) - Positron Emission Tomography (PET) - Functional Magnetic Resonance (fMRI) - Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) - Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) - Application of functional neuroimaging methods to the study of cognitive functions: spatial attention and neglect. 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.

Course Language

Italian

More information

There is no differentiation of the program between attending and non-attending students. However, attending lectures and laboratory activities is strongly recommended. Within the framework of the University's Innovative Teaching activities and to promote inclusion, the lecturer guarantees up to 2 hours of reception per week, to be agreed with the lecturer.