OVERVIEW

The Physiological Psychology course provides an overview of the methodologies used in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology, with a particular focus on cognitive, emotional, and motor processes. The course lays the foundation for understanding both normal and pathological brain functioning, contributing to the development of essential skills for psychological training.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course aims to provide critical knowledge of the historical and epistemological developments of neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience. The goal of this course is : 1. To provide the notions of neuro-functional architectures of cognitive and emotional processes. 2. To distinguish anatomical description level over the hierarchical one of its explanation through functional neuro-anatomy and architectural models of normal and pathological brain processes. 3. To acknowledge how these models can affect clinical evaluation and rehabilitation protocols. 2. To distinguish anatomical description level over the hierarchical one of its explanation through functional neuro-anatomy and architectural models of normal and pathological brain processes. 3. To acknowledge how these models can affect clinical evaluation and rehabilitation protocols.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

- Describe the main models of cognitive functions (attention, memory, perception, emotion, language, executive functions) and their neural correlates.

- Explain the main methodologies used in neuropsychology and neuroscience to measure mental functions and brain activity.

- Identify and discuss functional alterations from a neuropsychological perspective in clinical conditions such as aphasias, dyslexias, agnosias, apraxias, and various forms of neurodegenerative diseases.

- Critically analyze the contribution of neuroimaging, electrophysiological techniques, clinical interviews, and standardized tests in understanding cognitive disorders.

- Use appropriate scientific language in the description of neuropsychological processes.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of the anatomy of the nervous system and major cognitive functions is required. Students must have passed the exam "Foundations of the anatomical and physiological bases of mental activity."

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures are delivered in a participatory format, supported by multimedia materials (slides, videos) and interactive teaching tools (e.g., Wooclap and Padlet for real-time questions). All course materials are uploaded to Aulaweb.
 

Attendance is mandatory. Students with documented difficulties are advised to contact the instructor in order to request any exemptions.

For Students with Disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)
Students with disabilities or with a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) are reminded that, in order to request exam accommodations, it is necessary to first upload the relevant certification via the University website at servizionline.unige.it, under the “Studenti” section. The documentation will be verified by the University Office for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and SLDs https://rubrica.unige.it/strutture/struttura/100111.

Subsequently, at least 10 days prior to the exam date, students must email the instructor responsible for the examination. The message must also be copied (cc) to both the School Inclusion Officer (laura.traverso@unige.it ) and the aforementioned University Office (disabili@unige.it; dsa@unige.it ).

The email must include the following details:

• Course title
• Exam date
• Student’s full name and ID number
• Requested compensatory tools and dispensatory measures

Erasmus Students
Erasmus students can access the textbooks adopted for the course in English and may, upon request, take the exam in English.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

- Introduction to cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology

- Research methods: behavioral, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging

- The neuropsychological interview

- Neural bases and disorders of: attention, memory, perception, executive functions, language (aphasias, progressive aphasias), emotions (basic emotions, empathy, mirror neurons), movement (apraxias)

- Cognitive control and frontal lobes

- Brain plasticity and aging

- Psychopathology and neuropsychology

This course contributes to the achievement of the following UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals:

- Goal 4: Provide quality, equitable, and inclusive education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

- Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Materials provided by the instructor via AulaWeb.

For further study:

- Purves D. et al., Neuroscienze cognitive, Zanichelli, 2015

- Cazzaniga M. et al., Neuroscienze cognitive, Zanichelli, 2021

- Denes G. et al., Manuale di neuropsicologia, Zanichelli, 2019

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The course begins in the second semester. 

Class schedule

PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written exam with multiple-choice questions.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The multiple-choice written exam assesses:

- Knowledge of key cognitive functions and their neural correlates

- The ability to apply theoretical models to clinical cases

- Critical understanding of neuropsychological investigative methods

FURTHER INFORMATION

Non attending students will not be required to face any other activities, given their disadvantage of not attending the lessons of such a complex subject, which should need the explanation and the contextualization of every single argument.

To sit examinations students are asked to register online at least five days before test on the following “Portale studenti”: https://servizionline.unige.it/studenti/esami/. Registration will be closed five days before exam date.

Students are requested to regularly refer to the following web page on “Portale studenti”: https://servizionline.unige.it/studenti/esami/.  All information and materials for the course are posted exclusively on this web site.