32035 - Cognitive and Social Neurosciences

Learning outcomes

A the end of the course, students will know a) the main techniques involved in Cognitive Neuroscience; b) the neural bases of cognitive and affective processes; c) neural basis of social interaction. 

Course contents

The course of Cognitive and Social Neuroscience is divided into three teaching modules:

Module 1 (8 training credits, Prof. di Pellegrino):

• Vision
  
• Visual object recognition
• Visuo-motor interaction 
• Visual selective attention
• Learning and memory
• Motor control
• Cognitive control

Module 2 (4 training credits, prof. Avenanti):

• Methods in social and cognitive neuroscience
• Emotion
• Social neuroscience
  

The course takes place in the first cycle of lessons (from September to December 2021). The lessons are held at the Department of Psychology, Cesena Campus, Piazza Aldo Moro, 90.

It will also be possible to follow lectures  electronically via Teams software.

The topic "Methods in social and cognitive neuroscience" of module 2 will be treated first, followed by the topics of module 1, and finally the remaining topics of module 2.

Readings/Bibliography

GAZZANIGA Michael S, IVRY Richard B, MANGUN George R

Neuroscienze Cognitive

Zanichelli (2021)

(particularly, Chapter 2, 3, 5-10, 12-13)

 

In addition, the slides presented durning the lecture, and some articles in English will be made available to students.

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures, presentation and discussion of clinical cases and experiments, brief video clips projections, analysis of scientific articles. 

Assessment methods

Verification of the learning outcomes takes place through the final exam that ensures the acquisition of the expected outcomes by carrying out a written test lasting 45 minutes.

The exam consists of 45 multiple choice questions divided into:

• 30 questions relating to Module 1
• 15 questions relating to Module 2

Evaluation criteria

Each question has 5 possible answers of which only one is correct. The correct answer to each question yields 1 point for a total of 45 points. Each wrong or not given answer is scored 0 points.

The final grade is calculated as the sum of the points for the correct answers divided by 1.43. In the case of a non-integer score, the final grade is rounded up to the upper unit for decimals equal to, or greater than, 0.5, and to the lower unit for decimals lower than 0.5. 

For example, 45/45 correct answers, grade 30/30 and honor; 36/45 correct answers, grade 25/30; 26/45 correct answers, grade 18.

During the exam, the use of supporting material such as textbooks, notes, computer media is not allowed.
It is necessary to register for the exam via the electronic bulletin board on the AlmaEsami website, in compliance with the deadlines set. Any problem in registering through the dedicated website must be promptly communicated to the didactic secretariat.

Due to the health emergency linked to Covid-19, the exam sessions could take place not in person, but remotely via Zoom / Eol. Further and updated information will be made available on the web pages of the course teachers, in the latest notices section, throughout the year.

 

 

Teaching tools

PowerPoint slides, video clips

 

Office hours

See the website of Giuseppe Di Pellegrino

See the website of Alessio Avenanti