Psychological Sciences and Techniques

Educational objectives

General Objective
The course aims to provide students with the fundamental biological knowledge necessary to understand the cellular, molecular, and genetic basis of nervous system processes and behavior.
In particular, the course introduces principles related to the organization and functioning of eukaryotic cells, with a focus on neurons and glial cells, as well as the mechanisms of genetic information expression, transmission, and evolution.
Special attention is given to gene-environment interactions that regulate the development of the nervous system and behavior, synaptic plasticity processes, and neurodegenerative phenomena. Topics are addressed with reference to the experimental method and the main findings of molecular and cellular biology and biotechnology.

Specific Objectives
As specific objectives, the course aims to provide students with the tools necessary to understand the structural and functional organization of eukaryotic cells, with particular attention to the cells of the mammalian nervous system. Students will develop the ability to analyze the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the generation and transmission of nerve impulses, as well as to understand the functioning of synapses and the role of major neurotransmitter systems. The course also seeks to familiarize students with the fundamental principles of formal genetics and the main mechanisms of genetic and epigenetic regulation, highlighting the importance of gene-environment interactions in the pre- and postnatal development of the nervous system and behavior. Finally, the course provides the biological foundations necessary for understanding brain processes studied in courses on physiological psychology, psychobiology, and behavioral neuroscience.

Educational objectives

General Objective
The course aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge of the historical, theoretical, methodological, and research aspects of psychology, with particular reference to the development of cognitive psychology and the experimental study of key mental processes.

Specific Objectives
As specific objectives, the course aims to provide students with the conceptual and methodological tools necessary to acquire an in-depth understanding of the contribution of experimental studies to the development of contemporary psychology. The course focuses on fundamental topics such as the history of psychology, research methods, the genetic and evolutionary bases of behavior, learning, sensation and perception, motivation and emotions, memory, intelligence, thinking and reasoning, and language. Through these topics, students will gain the knowledge required to understand the main theoretical models and research methodologies used in the study of cognitive processes, developing a solid ability to critically analyze and connect theory with experimental practice.

Educational objectives

General Objective
The general objective of the course is to provide students with a solid understanding of the main theoretical reflections and empirical findings developed in sociology concerning various aspects of contemporary society. The course aims to highlight the specific contribution of the sociological discipline in analyzing structural dynamics and processes of social change, developing an analytical perspective capable of interpreting complex social phenomena. The course is organized around two main learning areas: the area of sociological concepts and theories, which introduces students to the primary interpretative paradigms of the discipline, and the area of methods and techniques of social research, which equips students with the methodological tools necessary for empirical analysis of social phenomena. By integrating these two dimensions, students acquire conceptual and methodological tools to develop a critical analysis of contemporary society.

Specific Objectives
The course presents the main concepts and theories of classical and contemporary sociology, with attention to their applicability in analyzing social phenomena. At the same time, students acquire knowledge of social research methods and techniques, both qualitative and quantitative, including practical activities that allow them to experience key stages of the research process. Specifically, the course aims to develop an adequate understanding of fundamental sociological concepts and theories, comprehension of the methodological foundations of social sciences and research design principles, knowledge of the main social research techniques and data collection and processing procedures, as well as analytical tools to interpret the structural, institutional, and cultural dimensions of contemporary society.

Educational objectives

General Objective
The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the main theories and methodologies in psychobiology and physiological psychology, with a particular focus on the study of the relationships between the brain and human and animal behavior in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The teaching emphasizes the acquisition of conceptual and methodological tools to understand the neurobiological processes underlying behaviors, emotions, and cognitive functions, highlighting the integration of theoretical knowledge with experimental applications. Furthermore, the course introduces the main experimental paradigms and strategies for analyzing the brain correlates of behavioral, emotional, and cognitive phenomena, fostering the development of a critical and scientific approach to interpreting neurobiological data.

Specific Objectives
The course is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to become familiar with the specialized terminology and key theoretical models of psychobiology and physiological psychology. Students will understand the physiological correlates of different behavioral, emotional, and cognitive phenotypes and will learn the experimental methodologies used to induce and study these phenotypes, as well as analyze their brain substrates. The course will also enable students to understand the main experimental strategies applied in the study of human and animal behavior and acquire methodological tools useful for the design, execution, and interpretation of experimental studies in psychobiology, thereby developing critical reasoning skills and autonomy in scientific data analysis.

Educational objectives

General Objective
The course aims to present the main theoretical and research contributions of scholars who have studied developmental processes and their implications for educational intervention. Particular attention is given to understanding the primary theoretical perspectives in developmental psychology and reflecting on the evolutionary processes that occur across different life contexts.

Specific Objectives
The course seeks to promote understanding of the main theoretical models and central themes in developmental psychology, knowledge of the research methods most commonly used to study developmental processes, and the ability to critically reflect on the contributions of key authors in the field. Additionally, it aims to develop analytical and interpretative skills regarding developmental processes in educational contexts. To achieve these objectives, the course will include reflection activities and readings from fundamental authors, with the goal of fostering critical thinking and independent exploration of the topics covered.

Educational objectives

General Objective
The general objective of the course is to provide students with a solid understanding of the theoretical foundations and main areas of work and organizational psychology, with particular focus on the application of psychological knowledge in various organizational contexts. The course aims to develop an integrated perspective that allows students to interpret individual and collective behaviors within work dynamics and understand how psychology can support the management and optimization of organizational processes.

Specific Objectives
The course aims to develop students’ knowledge and skills to understand the main theories and interpretative models of work and organizational psychology, analyze the processes and dynamics that characterize work environments, and become familiar with the tools used in human resource management. Particular attention is given to the design and evaluation of organizational interventions, such as personnel selection processes and strategies for monitoring and reducing work-related stress, as well as to understanding the main techniques for analyzing work and organizational roles, including job analysis and personality profile assessment. Finally, the course promotes the development of reflective and analytical skills regarding organizational dynamics, including conflicts, role-related issues, and adaptation processes in the workplace.

Educational objectives

General Objective
The Social Psychology course aims to provide students with a solid understanding of major social phenomena, key theoretical frameworks, and the research methodologies of the discipline. The course introduces the study of human behavior in social contexts, with particular emphasis on the processes through which interaction with other individuals and groups shapes cognitions, attitudes, and behaviors. In this way, students acquire a critical and analytical perspective on social phenomena, integrating theoretical knowledge with methodological skills.

Specific Objectives
The course aims to equip students with conceptual and methodological tools to understand and analyze key psychosocial processes. These include the formation of social judgments, both automatic and controlled, cognitive schemas, and attitudes; social perception and causal attribution processes, including impression formation, locus of control, and stereotypes; self-concept development, including self-esteem and self-efficacy; processes of social categorization and social identity; mechanisms of social influence, persuasion, and attitude change; and group and intergroup dynamics, such as cooperation, conflict, prejudice, and prosocial and antisocial behavior.
The course also provides tools to interpret classic and contemporary social phenomena, including migration, deviance, and conflict, and introduces students to the main methodological approaches used in psychosocial research.

Educational objectives

General Objectives
The course aims to provide students with a solid understanding of the main theoretical frameworks, key topics, and methodological aspects of the psychology of emotions, motivation, and personality. The course seeks to develop an integrated understanding of individual psychological functioning, highlighting the interactions between emotions, motivations, and personality traits.

Specific Objectives
The course is designed to promote knowledge of the main theories in the psychology of emotions, motivation, and personality, an understanding of the primary tools and methods used to assess emotional, motivational, and personality processes, and the ability to recognize the relationships between theoretical concepts and practical applications in the study of human behavior. Special attention is given to developing critical reflection skills regarding the various theoretical approaches and research methods employed in the discipline.

Educational objectives

General Objectives
The course aims to provide students with in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical skills regarding digital technologies applied to learning processes, both individual and collaborative. The teaching is designed to develop awareness of the pedagogical models underlying educational technologies, highlighting their potential applications in educational contexts, with particular focus on schools and teacher training. In this way, students will acquire the skills necessary to effectively integrate technologies into teaching and learning pathways.

Specific Objectives
The course aims to provide knowledge of the main learning technologies and the pedagogical models associated with them, introducing the concepts of learning environments and multimedia learning. Students will understand the role of technologies in supporting individual and collaborative learning, become familiar with digital tools used in teaching and teacher training, and acquire criteria to compare and evaluate the functional characteristics of different educational platforms. Through these specific objectives, the course promotes the development of theoretical and practical skills for the critical and conscious use of educational technologies.

Educational objectives

General Objective
The course aims to provide students with fundamental theoretical and methodological knowledge to understand group functioning in diverse daily, educational, and organizational contexts. The analysis is situated within social psychology, cultural psychology, and interactional psychology, with the goal of developing an integrated understanding of the main psychosocial processes that characterize group life. Particular attention is given to communicative, collaborative, identity-related, and participatory dynamics, to key qualitative approaches for their study, and to the potential use of groups as instruments in diverse applied contexts.

Specific Objectives
The course seeks to develop in students a solid understanding of the main theories, interpretative frameworks, and fundamental constructs of social and cultural psychology of groups, as well as the ability to empirically analyze social, discursive, and material interactions within groups. Students will gain familiarity with the main qualitative research methods and tools, with particular reference to ethnographic observation, individual and group interviews, and interaction analysis. They will also be able to critically reflect on group phenomena, responsibly use the methodologies learned, and effectively communicate theoretical content, analyses, and exercise outcomes, including through collaborative activities and the use of various media. Finally, the course aims to foster the ability to pursue independently further theoretical, methodological, and applied knowledge in the social psychology of groups.

Educational objectives

General Objective
The course aims to provide students with solid theoretical and methodological knowledge of the main psychopathological frameworks and interpretative models developed within clinical psychology. It seeks to foster a critical understanding of the different theoretical paradigms present in contemporary clinical psychology, as well as the primary strategies for the assessment and treatment of psychological disorders, equipping students with the tools necessary to interpret and manage complex clinical phenomena.

Specific Objectives
Specifically, the course intends to develop in students a thorough knowledge of the main psychopathological frameworks and their clinical characteristics, as well as an understanding of the theoretical models that explain the origin and development of psychological disorders. Students will become familiar with psychological-clinical assessment tools and criteria for formulating diagnostic hypotheses, and will be able to link psychopathological frameworks to possible intervention strategies and different treatment models. The course also aims to develop the ability to analyze and discuss clinical cases by integrating theoretical and methodological knowledge, fostering critical and reflective skills in the evaluation of diagnostic hypotheses and therapeutic strategies.

Educational objectives

General Objective
The course aims to provide students with a solid theoretical and methodological foundation in psychometrics, with particular attention to statistical tools used for data collection, analysis, and interpretation in psychological and social sciences. The course also aims to develop students’ ability to understand and apply key statistical methods for data description, hypothesis testing, and analysis of relationships among variables in psychological research.

Specific Objectives
The course intends to develop students’ knowledge of the main statistical methods for data processing and description, the fundamental principles of inferential statistics, and the primary statistical tests used for hypothesis testing. Students will gain skills in analyzing associations between variables and interpreting statistical relationships in empirical data. They will also be able to select and apply appropriate statistical techniques based on research objectives, variable measurement levels, and the assumptions required by statistical models. The course aims to develop the ability to critically interpret analysis results, evaluating the limitations and potential of the models used. Finally, students will acquire skills in reading and discussing research reports and scientific articles, as well as in using software tools for statistical data analysis in psychological research.

Educational objectives

General Objective
The general objective of the course is to introduce students to the main psychodynamic models of the mind, focusing on theories that explore the emotional, cognitive, and motivational determinants of behavior at both conscious and unconscious levels. The course also aims to provide theoretical and interpretative tools for understanding intrapsychic and relational dynamics that shape individual psychological functioning and human interactions.

Specific Objectives
The course is designed to develop in students a thorough knowledge of the main psychodynamic models, from classical psychoanalysis to contemporary perspectives, with special attention to relational approaches. It aims to foster an understanding of the conscious and unconscious determinants of human behavior and the emotional, cognitive, and motivational dynamics that characterize interpersonal relationships. Students will acquire knowledge of the main theoretical and research contributions regarding early relationships and mind development, including insights from infant research. They will also be able to use psychodynamic categories and concepts to analyze internal processes and relational dynamics, understand the main empirical research approaches in psychotherapy, and analyze clinical cases and relational situations, developing a comprehensive understanding of the interactive processes that shape the therapeutic relationship.

Educational objectives

General objective
The general objective of the course is to provide theoretical and methodological knowledge and operational competences related to the main tools of developmental and educational psychology, with particular reference to observation and interview techniques, the analysis of children’s drawings, the study of discursive interactions in educational contexts, and the assessment of early literacy processes in preschool children.

Specific objectives
The specific objectives of the course are to develop knowledge of the characteristics, strengths, and limitations of the main techniques, methods, and tools used in developmental and educational contexts; to acquire the ability to apply observation and interview techniques according to the characteristics of the context; to recognize and analyze the development of children’s drawings and children’s written productions in relation to developmental levels; to analyze structures of participation in discourse within educational contexts; to develop the ability to critically analyze observational materials (children’s drawings, children’s writings, videos, and transcripts of interactions); to acquire skills in synthesizing and communicating the results of observations and analyses through written reports and oral presentations; and to develop independent learning skills useful for further deepening the techniques and tools of developmental and educational psychology.

Educational objectives

General objective
The overall objective of the Cognitive Neuroscience course is to provide students with an understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the main cognitive processes, such as multisensory perception, action, language, body representation, and decision-making. The course also aims to integrate contributions from different disciplines, including neuroscience, cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, and affective neuroscience, in order to offer a comprehensive view of how the brain supports complex cognitive and affective functions.

Specific objectives
The specific objectives are for students to acquire a solid knowledge of the principles and theories of cognitive neuroscience and to understand the neural mechanisms that regulate processes such as perception, attention, action, language, and body representation, as well as their interactions. Students should be able to apply this knowledge to analyze and interpret research findings in the field, critically evaluating scientific studies, methods, and experimental paradigms. They will also develop communication skills that enable them to clearly and concisely explain concepts and results in cognitive neuroscience both orally and in writing, adapting their language to audiences with different levels of expertise. Finally, the course aims to foster independent learning by encouraging students to work autonomously, identify areas of interest, and effectively use online resources, research databases, and scientific literature to deepen their knowledge.

Educational objectives

General objective
The general objective of the course is to develop students’ ability to understand written texts and spoken discourse in English within psychological, academic, and technical contexts, providing them with a linguistic tool useful for research, study, and their future professional activity.

Specific objectives
The specific objectives are to develop effective strategies for reading specialized texts, particularly through the use of skimming to grasp the overall meaning of a text, scanning to locate specific information, and intensive reading for a deeper analysis of the content. The course also aims to strengthen students’ ability to understand spoken discourse in academic and technical settings and to foster autonomy in searching for and understanding materials in English, including those available online.

Educational objectives

General objective
The general objective of the course is to provide students with a basic knowledge of the instruments used to measure intelligence and personality, together with an understanding of the main theories, measurement techniques, and data analysis methods necessary for the construction and validation of psychological tests and instruments for measuring psychological characteristics.

Specific objectives
The specific objectives are that students acquire knowledge of the main psychometric models and the tests used to assess personality and mental abilities, as well as the methodologies for constructing items for measurement instruments. Students should also be able to apply this knowledge through the administration and interpretation, under supervision, of mental ability tests and personality questionnaires, the digital acquisition of data, and the analysis of these data using statistical software such as SPSS and IRTPRO. The course also aims to develop the ability to critically evaluate the psychometric properties of tests and to choose the most appropriate statistical analyses to examine them. Students should also be able to clearly communicate the results of psychological assessments through graphical profiles, tables, charts, and brief summary reports. Finally, the course aims to provide the quantitative foundations necessary to effectively pursue advanced studies in data analysis and psychometrics.

Educational objectives

General Objective
The course aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge of the ethical, legal, and professional standards governing the practice of psychology.

Specific Objectives
The specific objectives of the course are to develop the ability to apply ethical principles to concrete cases, understand professional responsibilities and the protection of clients and the professional group, and cultivate critical judgment along with the capacity to communicate ethical evaluations and independently update one’s competencies.

Educational objectives

Aims of the final exam are the acquisition by the student of a series of basic skills related to the ability to consult the bibliographic sources available on the web, to be able to critically interpret scientific articles written in at least one language other than Italian, to be able to report in writing the topic agreed with the supervisor and finally to be able to explain the contents of the work carried out in oral form.