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 is designed to provide advanced knowledge of the neuropsychological mechanisms underlying higher cognitive functions in humans. In particular, it focuses on how the functional architecture of the cerebral cortex and large-scale neural interactions support complex functions such as the representation of internal physiological states, body representation, the representation of the temporal dimension of experience, spatial navigation, autobiographical memory, and the simulation and imagination of future events. The course integrates classical evidence from clinical neuropsychology with knowledge derived from modern neuroimaging techniques, connectomics, and computational models.
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 neuroimaging-based methods for investigating the structure of mental representations and the dynamics of large-scale functional connectivity. They will also gain advanced knowledge of experimental neuropsychological research methods and the methodological principles underlying the design and implementation of experimental studies in this field.
Applying knowledge and understanding: Students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired to analyze and interpret neuropsychological phenomena, critically evaluate research in experimental neuropsychology, and design studies employing advanced investigative techniques.
Making judgements: Students will develop the ability to critically analyze research in experimental neuropsychology. They will also be expected to independently acquire and manage the knowledge and skills required to achieve the learning objectives through both individual study and participation in lectures and seminars.
Communication skills: Students will develop the ability to communicate clearly and effectively the findings of research in experimental neuropsychology and to discuss the implications of such research using appropriate scientific terminology.
Learning skills: Students will acquire the knowledge and competencies necessary to independently evaluate and further develop their understanding of research in the field of experimental neuropsychology.
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