Biotechnology for Neuroscience

Psychological neurosciences

Psychological neurosciences

Academic year 2022/2023

Sommario del corso

• Course objectives
• Results of learning outcomes
• Course delivery
• Learning assessment methods
• Support activities
• Program
• Suggested textbooks and readings
• Notes
• Course modules
• Teaching tools

Course objectives

Psychological neuroscience entails a highly interdisciplinary approach to the study of brain-mind functioning. Indeed, the topic integrates the behavioral-based approach of psychology with the laboratory-based approach of neuroscience. The main objective of the course is to provide an overview of both basic and applied research in the field, by presenting complementary perspectives: general psychology, psychobiology, social psychology, and organizational psychology.

Results of learning outcomes

principles subserving the study of the mind/brain functioning and acquiring skills of independent analysis on the topics addressed during the lessons.

Course delivery

Lectures in presence.

Learning assessment methods

The exam is a verbalizing written test of 32 questions with a closed answer, with multiple alternatives (correct answer 1 point, wrong answers 0), to be carried out in 32 minutes.

Support activities

Time of reception of the professors.

Program

The general psychology module will present the historical development of psychological neuroscience, underlying the transition from the conception of a computation mind to that of an embodied mind - the integrated mind-brain-body system (MBBS). The possible architectures of the MBBS will be presented in order to give a taste of the complex relationships between brain circuits and psychological issues. Ethical matters will be also discussed to shed light on the possible dangers of ‘neuromania’, the tempting use of brain imaging to explain anything with colorful pictures. Furthermore, selected topics of interest will be presented, such as learning processes and memory.

The psychobiology module will introduce the study of the biological processes underlying human cognition by focusing on both intact brain functioning and pathological conditions. As regards the former, the course will present the theoretical foundations of the experimental research as well as the most relevant techniques (e.g., behavioral procedures, neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and others). With respect to the pathological brain, the course will present the neuropsychological approach, namely inferring the functional architecture of the human intact brain starting from the investigations of its selective damages.

The social psychology module is intended to review and discuss state-of-the-art developments in issues like self-perception, group-perception action perception, interpretation and biases, imitation, and the recognition of affect. Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired at least the skills that are essential for experimental researchers working in the area, namely, they will be able to distinguish between, and debate about methodological and theoretical developments in the area of social cognitive neuroscience.

The organizational psychology module will introduce the study of human behaviors in organizational settings and of cognitive functioning at work. In particular, the module will deepen theories and models, developed in organizational psychology, that examine the reciprocal interplay among the individual, the sociocultural system, and the organizational structure. The module will also analyze the main consequences for individuals of being exposed to stress at work (e.g., technostress).

-

Note

See within each module.

Moduli didattici

• General Psycology (NEU0273A)
• Organizational psychology (NEU0273C)
• Psychobiology (NEU0273D)
• Social Psychology (NEU0273B)

• Teaching materials
• Exams and finals
• Go to Moodle
• Visit the forums