OVERVIEW

This course provides students with foundational knowledge of the anatomical and functional organization of the nervous system. Beginning with the neuron and synapse, it explores sensory and motor systems, offering an integrated understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying mental activity.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course is aimed at providing the main notions about the nervous system. The fundamental anatomical components of the central and peripheral nervous system will be described, from the neuron to the description of the most complex functional anatomical organizations that are the basis of cognitive and emotional functioning.
In addition, information on brain pathologies will be provided.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

• describe the main structures of the central and peripheral nervous systems;
• explain the anatomical and functional organization of neurons and glial cells;
• illustrate the mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission and the role of key neurotransmitters;
• describe and interpret the functioning of the major sensory systems (visual, auditory, vestibular, somatosensory);
• analyse the organisation of the motor system – pyramidal and extrapyramidal tracts, cerebellum, motor cortex – and its role in behaviour;
• connect neural structures with cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functions, justifying structure–function relationships;
• produce written and oral summaries using appropriate technical terminology;
• critically evaluate neuroscientific information by applying knowledge acquired during the course.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of cellular and molecular biology is required. In particular, students are expected to understand the structure and function of animal cells.

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 as required by the Degree Program regulations. Students with documented difficulties are advised to contact the instructor to request exemptions.

Non-attending students: students unable to attend are encouraged to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to explain their situation. All materials on Aulaweb, together with the recommended textbooks, provide a complete resource for exam preparation.

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or other specific educational needs: students holding valid certifications for SLD, disabilities, or other educational needs are invited to contact the instructor and the Department Inclusion Officer (Prof. Laura Traverso – laura.traverso@unige.it) at the beginning of the course, in order to agree on any adaptations to teaching methods that, while respecting the course objectives, take individual learning needs into account.

Erasmus students: textbooks adopted for the course are available in English. Upon request, the exam may be taken in English.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Functional anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems
• Brain: cortical areas, lobes, basal ganglia, thalamus, hypothalamus
• Brainstem, spinal cord, reticular formation
• Ventricular system, meninges, cerebrospinal fluid
• Neurons and glial cells: morphology and physiology
• Synaptic transmission and neurotransmitters
• Visual, auditory, vestibular, and somatosensory systems
• Organisation of motor systems: pyramidal and extrapyramidal tracts, cerebellum, motor cortex

The course contributes to the following UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, selected in the CATEGORIES section of the online form:

• Goal 4 – Quality Education: inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning
• Goal 5 – Gender Equality: achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lecture materials will be provided and made available on Aulaweb.

Recommended textbooks:

• Purves et al., Neuroscience, 5th edition
• Bear, Connors, Paradiso, Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain, Edra
• Kandel et al., Principles of Neural Science, single volume
• Maravita A. (ed.), Anatomical and Physiological Foundations of Mental Activity, Poletto Editore

Non-attending students and working students: the materials on Aulaweb and the recommended textbooks provide the complete reference for exam preparation. Students are encouraged to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course.

Students with SLD: please contact the instructor to discuss possible adaptations to study materials (e.g., accessible formats).

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ANDREA BRUGNOLO (President)

DAVID GIOFRE'

LESSONS

LESSONS START

First semester of A.Y. 2026/2027. For the exact start date and timetable, please consult the academic calendar of the Degree Program at:

servizionline.unige.it – Students / Timetable and Academic Calendar

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written examination consisting of 31 multiple-choice questions covering the entire syllabus. A list of practice questions will be made available on Aulaweb.

Oral or differentiated examinations are not foreseen, except in documented special cases (see Assessment Criteria below).

Erasmus students may request an oral exam in English, as an alternative to the written multiple-choice exam in Italian.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The multiple-choice written exam assesses the achievement of the stated learning outcomes as follows:

• Knowledge of nervous system structures and functions (outcomes 1–2–3): questions on the identification and description of structures, neurotransmitters, and synaptic mechanisms.
• Understanding of sensory and motor systems (outcomes 4–5): questions requiring interpretation of functional organisation and system-level processing.
• Ability to connect structure and function (outcome 6): questions requiring application of knowledge to clinical or behavioural scenarios.
• Correct use of technical terminology and critical evaluation (outcomes 7–8): assessed through options requiring terminological precision and reasoned judgement.

Students with disabilities, SLD, or other specific educational needs who have uploaded their certification via servizionline.unige.it may request exam accommodations following the procedure below.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with disabilities or SLD are reminded that, in order to request exam accommodations, they must 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:

rubrica.unige.it/strutture/struttura/100111

Subsequently, at least 10 days prior to the exam date, students must send an email to the course instructor, copying (cc) both the Department Inclusion Officer (laura.traverso@unige.it) and the above Office (disabili@unige.it; dsa@unige.it).

The email must include:

• course title
• exam date
• student’s full name and ID number
• requested compensatory tools and dispensatory measures.