Cognitive Neurosciences and Psychological Rehabilitation

The course has the general objective of promoting in-depth knowledge on the neurophysiological basis of cognitive and affective development, on the mechanisms and processes that underlie typical and atypical neuroplasticity throughout life, and on the fundamental role that these processes have in the development and maintenance of psychopathological states. This knowledge will be offered in a cycle of lectures (3 credits, 24 hours) and laboratory activities (3 credits, 36 hours) which will deal with the maturational events involving the central nervous system in relation to the development of mental functions in humans and in other mammals, to the neurobiological processes that characterize critical periods in development and to the role of environment and experience on brain structure and function. A further objective of the course is to favor the development of knowledge necessary to interpret the results obtained from psychobiological research in comparative terms. To this end, space will be given in the laboratory activities to the applicative aspects of psychobiological research methods relating to cognitive and emotional processes and to the study of neuronal plasticity mechanisms (including behavioral observation as well as histological and neuro-stimulation techniques). Upon completion of the course the student is expected to have achieved the following specific learning objectives: I) Knowledge and understanding: through the analysis of scientific literature and practical application in laboratory activities, students are expected to demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding of the neural development processes involved in cognitive and affective functions and of research techniques in developmental psychobiology. II) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: students should be able to collect data from the scientific literature, contextualize the acquired knowledge and evaluate its application in experiments with humans and other mammals as well as in clinical and rehabilitation settings. Furthermore, using experimental approaches and appropriate research methodologies, they should be able to pursue the goal of a greater understanding of relevant scientific problems in the field of psychobiology. III) Autonomy of judgement: through the analysis of scientific literature and of applicative aspects of psychobiological research methods, students will be able to develop the ability to evaluate the adequacy of methodologies and the accuracy of the results of scientific studies concerning the various areas of developmental psychobiology. In particular, students should be able to show critical analysis and synthesis skills regarding the processes through which a constant interaction between neural maturation and experience determines cognitive and affective development over the life span and be able to apply this knowledge to new or interdisciplinary contexts. IV) Communication skills: through discussion and group comparison, students should be able to competently and critically evaluate the results obtained from research in developmental psychobiology and to communicate them clearly and effectively, both in written and oral form, using appropriate language. V) Learning skills: students should be able to autonomously expand their knowledge and skills in developmental psychobiology, in order to implement effective solutions and promote advancements in this field of research, using a rigorous and evidence-based approach.