Personnel, Work and Organizational Psychology

The course examines the main psychological phenomena that characterize work and organizational contexts, integrating the latest evidence from cognitive and social neuroscience. Throughout the course, we will explore the neural and biological bases of mental processes relevant to the workplace, such as leadership, cooperation, stress, and adaptation to new working modalities, including remote work. The course is structured into two thematic sections. The first section (20 hours) will be dedicated to the theoretical and epistemological framework of Neuroscience for Organizations. It will provide a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the organization of the central and peripheral nervous systems. We will discuss the potential and limitations of the neuroscientific approach in informing organizational research and practice, as well as the main theoretical perspectives in the field. Basic neuroscience concepts will be introduced, including the functional organization of brain areas (sensory, motor, associative, and limbic), as well as the autonomic nervous system, with its sympathetic and parasympathetic branches and their connections to internal organs. The main neuroscientific investigation techniques will also be covered, including recording techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), as well as neural modulation techniques such as transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We will also examine methodologies for recording autonomic nervous system activity, such as electrocardiography (ECG), electrodermal activity (EDA), and thermography, along with principal behavioral measurement tools (eye-tracking, reaction times). The principles underlying these techniques, their advantages and limitations, and the most suitable application contexts will be discussed. Students will participate in practical activities where they will observe the operation of these techniques and their application in neuroscientific research contexts. The second section (28 hours) will focus on examining work psychology and organizational behavior topics through the lens of neuroscience. The following topics will be covered in depth: • Bio-neuro-leadership • Neural bases of cooperation and competition in dyads and groups • Motivation, learning, and processing of individual and social errors • Neural and biological correlates of stress and burnout • Effects of technostress and remote work on the nervous system • Neuroscience of emotions and emotional contagion • Emotional intelligence and empathy • Neuroscience of moral behavior • Neuroscience-based interventions to promote workplace well-being (e.g., mindfulness, biofeedback) Students will prepare oral presentations based on scientific articles assigned by the instructor, followed by group discussions on methodological aspects and practical implications of the presented research. Sessions will also include guest lectures by experts in organizational neuroscience and professionals from companies or organizations involved in neuroscience research projects. Students are expected to actively participate in the lessons by interacting with the speakers.

No prior knowledge of neuroscience is required, as the course will provide students with the necessary theoretical and methodological foundations. However, a good understanding of English is recommended, as it will facilitate the reading of scientific literature.

Scientific articles and other materials related to the lectures will be made available on the course website. Studying these materials is necessary in order to pass the final exam. A concise textbook covering the course content is currently being prepared.

Class attendance is strongly recommended because the contribution of each student to the class discussion is part of the evaluation.

The exam is intended to assess students' knowledge of the current state of the discipline and its possible applications to professional practice. It consists of a written test with open-ended questions, to be taken during the official exam sessions at the end of the course, in accordance with the academic calendar. The evaluation will also consider each student's actual contribution to the scientific discussions, which are an integral part of the lectures.

Lectures will include introductory overviews of the course topics, group discussions, and practical activities. Students will be expected to actively participate in class through ongoing debates, integral to the teaching approach.

No prior knowledge of neuroscience is required, as the course will provide students with the necessary theoretical and methodological foundations. However, a good understanding of English is recommended, as it will facilitate the reading of scientific literature. .

Scientific articles and other materials related to the lectures will be made available on the course website. Studying these materials is necessary in order to pass the final exam. A concise textbook covering the course content is currently being prepared.

Lectures will include introductory overviews of the course topics, group discussions, and practical activities. Students will be expected to actively participate in class through ongoing discussions, which are an integral part of the teaching approach.

The exam is intended to assess students' knowledge of the current state of the discipline and its possible applications to professional practice. It consists of a written test with open-ended questions, to be taken during the official exam sessions at the end of the course, in accordance with the academic calendar. The evaluation will also take into account each student's actual contribution to the scientific discussions, which are an integral part of the lectures.

Each class will include the presentation of a topic by the teacher followed by a general discussion which implies the active involvement of each student. Teaching tools: 1) Slides, 2) Scientific papers.