Cognitive Neurosciences and Psychological Rehabilitation

- Functional architecture of the cerebral cortex: cytoarchitectonics, morphometry, connectomics, parcellation schemes. - Foundations of human neuroimaging: cerebral metabolism, blood flow and oxygenation; positron emission tomography; (functional) magnetic resonance imaging; electro- and magneto-encephalography - Conceptual aspects and experimental design in functional neuroimaging: functional specialization vs. integration; relationship with computational models of mind functioning; morphometrics and lesion-symptom mapping; activation studies; structural, functional, and effective connectivity - The cortical visual system: striate and extrastriate areas; shape, color, and motion perception; object, body and place recognition; spatial orientation and memory. - Integrative functions of the fronto-parietal cortex: attention, multimodal integration, body representation, planning, decision-making.

The course assumes students to be familiar with an approach to psychology as a scientific discipline based on empirical measurements, experiments, and the discussion of theories and models, and to hold a solid background on fundamental themes of general psychology and behavioral science methodology. Elementary notions about macroscopical neuroanatomy, basic neurophysiology, and neurotransmission, are absolutely necessary.

The study material consists of scientific papers which will be made available by the instructor and of parts of the following textbooks: - Postle. Neuroscienze cognitive. L'essenziale (selected chapters) - Sacco. Neuroimaging per lo studio del cervello umano (2020) Furthermore, we suggest using a neuroanatomy atlas. Please check the Sapienza elearning platform for further information

Regularly attending lectures is strongly recommended.

The exam consists in a written test about neuroanatomy, followed by an oral interview about all the material studied in the textbooks and presented during the lectures.

Lectures will be regularly alternated during the class with active discussions, during which we will present and discuss experimental and clinical studies.

The course includes lectures: a draft of the contents is shown below, which however may vary during the course. Any changes will be communicated to the students in advance. - General organization of the central and peripheral nervous system - The brain and its internal environment: cranium and meninges - Spinal cords, brainstem, and the reticular formation with clinical considerations - Internal structures: the basal ganglia and the white matter; - Functional organization of the brain at rest

Basic knowledge of the anatomical-physiological foundations of the central and peripheral nervous system. Furthermore, knowledge about the main electrophysiological and functional neuroimaging techniques is considered preparatory for the course. Although a recall of this knowledge is expected during classes, it is nevertheless essential that the student will have these basic elements to make participation in lectures and laboratory activities functional.

The following texts are recommended: • ATLAS - Walter J. Hendelman »Neuroanatomia funzionale con considerazioni cliniche» - David L Felten –Anil N Shetty «Atlante di Neuroscience di Netter» • NEUROANATOMY WITH CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS - Hal Blumenfeld «Neuroanatomia attraverso spunti clinici» - Kelth L Moore, Arthur F. Dalley, Anne M.R. Agur «Anatomia umana a orientamento clinico» • NEUROSCIENZE COGNITIVE - Michael S. Gazzaniga, Richard B. Ivry, George R. Mangun «Neuroscienze Cognitive» III ed. - Mark F. Bear Barry W. Connors Michael A. Paradiso «Esplorando il cervello» During the course, scientific articles will be provided in English.

The course includes lectures. The lectures are strongly recommended.

The exams will be written, with the possibility of oral integration at request. The objective of the test is to ascertain the student's effective achievement of theoretical knowledge related to the study of anatomy and functional aspects of the central and peripheral nervous system. To pass the exam, it is necessary to obtain a mark of not less than 18/30. The student must demonstrate to have acquired a sufficient knowledge of theoretical topics, a basic knowledge practice. To achieve a score of 30/30 with honors, the student must instead demonstrate that he has acquired excellent knowledge of all the topics covered during the course, being able to connect them in a logical and coherent way.

The course includes lectures. The lectures are strongly recommended.