Educational objectives The general objective of the course is the development of in-depth and specific knowledge in the field of the experimental study of the physiological correlates of psychological processes and human behaviour, with particular reference to the techniques of electrophysiology, skin conductance, heart-rate variability (HRV), pupillometry, and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques. To this aim, reference will be made to an in-depth analysis of the scientific literature on these topics and students will be able to design, plan and conduct experimental projects using these research techniques.
The course consists of a theoretical part (3 credits) and a laboratory application part (3 credits).
Upon completion of the course the student is expected to have achieved the following specific learning objectives (Dublin indicators):
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 theoretical foundations of psychophysiology and the main investigative techniques used to study the relationships between physiological processes and psychological states.
II) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: students should be able to contextualise the acquired knowledge and evaluate its application in experimental, clinical and rehabilitation contexts. Furthermore, using appropriate experimental approaches and research methodologies, they should be able to pursue the objective of a greater understanding of relevant scientific problems in the field of psychophysiology.
III) Autonomy of judgement: through the analysis of scientific articles, the preparation and presentation of experimental projects, students should be able to critically analyse and accurately assess the appropriateness of methodology and results of scientific studies concerning the various fields of experimental psychophysiology.
IV) Communication skills: through discussion and group discussion, students should be able to communicate clearly and effectively the results of research in experimental psychophysiology, both in written and oral form, using appropriate language.
V) Learning skills: students should be able to pursue research independently, developing and implementing effective solutions to problems and challenges in experimental psychophysiology, using a rigorous, evidence-based approach.
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Educational objectives The course aims to provide advanced knowledge about the neuropsychological mechanisms underlying higher cognitive functions in humans, particularly focusing on how the functional architecture of the cerebral cortex implements complex functions such as encoding, recognition, and recall of objects, faces, places, and abstract concepts, body representation, working memory, decision-making, executive functions, and consciousness. It integrates classic evidence from clinical neuropsychology with the knowledge derived from modern techniques of neuroimaging, connectomics, and computational models, with the goal of showing how the results of experimental neuroscience can inform the interpretation of neuropsychological phenomena and their assessment in clinical contexts.
Knowledge and understanding: students will acquire advanced knowledge of the functional architecture of the human cerebral cortex, the neuropsychological mechanisms underlying higher cognitive functions, and advanced methods based on neuroimaging to study the structure of mental representations and the dynamics of large-scale functional connections.
Applying knowledge and understanding: students will be able to use the acquired knowledge to analyze and interpret neuropsychological phenomena, critically evaluate experimental neuropsychology research, design studies using advanced investigation techniques, and design neuropsychological interventions in clinical and applied contexts.
Making judgements: students will be able to independently acquire and manage the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the educational objectives, both through individual study and participation in classes and seminars.
Communication skills: students will develop the ability to formulate research and intervention projects and communicate them clearly and persuasively in a limited time using appropriate technical terms.
Learning skills: students will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to independently evaluate and deepen research in the field of experimental neuropsychology.
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