Introduction to the course

The course will focus on the psychobiology of basic cognitive and emotional functions and on the fundamental concepts of psychopharmacology necessary to understand the relationship between neural and psychic activity. The program aims to understand the relationship between brain structure and psychic function and its complexity. For this reason, we will start with the neuroanatomical basis of the brain and the fundamental concepts of psychopharmacology, then move on to the classification of the main basic functions of behavior (sensorimotor system, sleep and biological rhythms, emotions) and cognition (memory, learning, and language), both in physiological and pathological conditions. Specifically, the following topics will be covered:

• Neuroanatomical basis of brain and behavior 
• Essential psychopharmacology 
• Neurotransmitters systems: biology and function
• Techniques and behavioral tasks
• Development of behavior
• Motor systems
• Sleep and biological rhythms
• Emotions
• Higher function: learning, memory and language
• Psychobiology of brain disease: Parkinson, Schizophrenia, Alzheimer, Depression

General information

A good knowledge of English is required, sufficient to enable students listen to the lessons. In any case, the teacher will take the utmost care to facilitate understanding of the lessons in class.

The course consists of a series of lectures and exercises, each lasting two hours, held by the teacher. The presentation of the topics will be supported by explanatory slides. The slides from the lessons, along with any other teaching materials deemed useful for individual study, will be made available to students via the Moodle platform. The total duration of the course is 52 hours.

Books:

Watson, N. V., & Breedlove, S. M.. Il cervello e la mente: le basi biologiche del comportamento. Zanichelli

Carlson, N. R., Birkett, M.A.. Fisiologia del comportamento. Piccin

Exam information

The oral exam aims to assess students' level of knowledge and understanding of the topics covered and their critical thinking skills.

The final grade will be expressed in thirtieths (minimum grade 18/30, maximum grade 30/30 with honors), based on the answers to 3-4 open-ended questions.To achieve a final grade of 30/30 with honors, students must demonstrate that they have acquired excellent knowledge of all the topics covered during the course, the ability to think critically, and make interdisciplinary connections.