70004 - Affective and Cognitive Neurosciences

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student knows state-of-art human and animal research that uses neuroscience techniques to understand the cognitive and emotional aspects of the human mind and behavior. The student should be able to critically read experimental and theoretical studies of cognitive and affective neuroscience, to evaluate their methods and results, and explain their significance.

Course contents

The course is designed to provide advanced knowledge of the neural basis and functional mechanisms of human behaviour, and affective and cognitive processes, and the alteration of these processes in patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders, drawing on both theoretical, methodological and empirical contributions of current literature, and integrating different methodological approaches, including behavioural, neurophysiological, psychopharmacological, computational and neuroimaging.

The course involves 2 modules, whose specific contents are the following:

di Pellegrino's Module:

• Perceptual and value-based decision-makingg.

Avenanti's Module:

• Methods in Cognitive and affective;
• Understanding others': mirror mechanisms and mentalizing.
  

The course will take place during the first cycle of lectures (from September to December 2024) at the Department of Psychology - Cesena Campus (address: piazza A. Moro, 90, Cesena). The course will start with the module of prof. di Pellegrino, followed by the module of prof. Avenanti.

Readings/Bibliography

Scientific papers and other course materials for this course will be made available at the course website. These readings are mandatory to pass the final exam.

Teaching methods

The course combines frontal lectures with interactive discussions on each module’s topic, group analyses of neuroscientific papers, small‑group projects with class presentations, and expert‑led seminars. Practical activities include task design, data analysis, group discussions, critical review of classic papers, and programming exercises using OpenSesame.

Assessment methods

Assessment of learning takes place through a final exam, which evaluates the acquisition of the expected knowledge regarding the neural bases and functional mechanisms of cognitive and affective processes.

The final exam consists of a written test including 4 open‑ended questions (2 questions for the first module and 2 questions for the second module). The total duration of the test is 80 minutes (approximately 20 minutes per question).

Each answer will be awarded a maximum score of 7.5 points if it demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the topic, critical analysis, the ability to integrate different aspects of the literature, and is well written and logically structured. Based on the accuracy and completeness of the answer, the score will be scaled from 7.5 to 0. The final grade will be the rounded sum of the scores for the four questions. During the exam, the use of support materials such as textbooks, notes, or electronic devices is not permitted.

Attending students may choose to take the exam in an alternative format for one or both modules:

MODULE 1 (Giuseppe di Pellegrino; max 16 points):

1) Mini‑project (max 8 points):
Divided into:

• Written report (max 5 points):
  A brief scientific‑style paper (2,000–2,500 words, approximately 5 pages) including:

  • A clear research question or hypothesis

  • Experiment design (to be implemented in OpenSesame)

  • Rationale and expected outcomes

  • Any pilot data

The written report must be at least 5 pages long (approx. 12,500–15,000 characters including spaces, i.e., 2,000–2,500 words) using a standard format (12‑point font, 1.5‑line spacing, standard margins). It must be submitted by the end of the module.

• Oral presentation (max 3 points):
  A 10‑minute presentation including:

  • The experimental proposal, task design, or a critical review of the literature

  • A clear explanation of the objectives and theoretical relevance

Evaluation criteria for the Mini‑project:

• Clarity of the research question or hypothesis

• Soundness and feasibility of the experimental design

• Integration of cognitive neuroscience theory

• Quality and clarity of both the written and oral components

• Originality, creativity, and commitment

2) Final written exam (max 8 points):
One open‑ended question to be answered in 20 minutes.

MODULE 2 (Avenanti; max 16 points):

1) Final written exam (max 15 points):
Two open‑ended questions, each to be answered in 20 minutes, with a maximum score of 7.5 points each.

2) Oral presentation (max 2 points):
A 10‑minute presentation on an article selected from those proposed during lectures by the instructor. Articles will be presented individually in a group setting where other students will present on the same topic, and an integrated discussion will be required.

 

The student is required to complete the online registration (Almaesami) within the terms in order to be admitted to the exam. In the case of technical problems the student is required to promptly contact the Segreteria Studenti and email prof. Avenanti (within the terms) who will consider the request and decide about the admission.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives

Teaching tools

Slides (PowerPoint) and video clips. Software Teams

Office hours

See the website of Alessio Avenanti

See the website of Giuseppe Di Pellegrino