Neurobiology

General goals. The course introduces to the theories, approaches and methods of experimental research on mental activity conducted on humans and animal models, highlighting the advantages and limitations of a comparative approach. The course consists of frontal activities in the classroom, with the presence of expert researchers for specific topics, and of laboratory activities for experimentation of methods used in psychobiological studies. The main topics covered during the course are: • History of ethology and comparative psychology • Phylogeny and ontogenesis in comparison • Development and validation of animal models • The mammalian brain: anatomy, neurotransmission and morphology • The study of animal behavior: parental care, attachment, adaptation, communication, social organization, altruism and cooperation, emotions, motivation, • Use of animal models in psychology and psychopathology • Gene x environment interaction approach to study the onset of psychopathologies • Techniques for the study of the behavioral, neurochemical and morphological phenotype in the small rodent The activities conducted in lab are: • Use of systems for the analysis of animal behavior • Use of systems for the analysis of ex-vivo (punch) and in-vivo (Microdialysis) neurotransmitters • Use of systems for brain tissue staining and morphology analysis (Neurolucida) • End-of-course lab meeting and presentation of the activities with final ppt Specific aims Knowledge and understanding: Advanced knowledge on emerging themes, on the translational value and on the limits of the preclinical research. Knowledge and understanding of principles, theoretical models and methods used in research conducted on animal behavior. Knowledge of the main measure methods and automatic recording of animal behavior in nature and in laboratory. Applying knowledge and understanding: Ability to use the knowledge to understand the contents of the scientific bibliography about human behavior and the use of animal models. Ability to apply an interdisciplinary vision in the study of new, different and interdisciplinary themes. Ability of experimental preclinical planning and research design about animal behavior. Making judgements: Ability to critically evaluate results obtained by preclinical experimentation. Ability to reflect on social and ethical responsibilities related to the application of preclinical research. Communication skills: Ability to produce written and oral report about scientific bibliography in competent and clear way. Learning skills: Ability to read critically and to understand a scientific article on animal behavior. Ability to autonomously pursue knowledge and skills on the topic.