B6427 - APPLIED COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students know the behavioral and neural underpinnings of individual well-being, and the interventions aimed at its promotion

Course contents

The course examines the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying internally directed cognition, namely the capacity to mentally transcend the present moment, project oneself across time and perspectives, and generate thoughts independent of immediate sensory input. Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of these processes in adaptive behaviour, social cognition, and psychological wellbeing.

The course will explore the neural architecture supporting internally directed cognition, with a focus on the default mode network and its interactions with other large-scale brain networks. Students will examine how processes such as episodic simulation, self-projection, and mind-wandering contribute to future thinking, social understanding, self-related processing, creativity, and psychological wellbeing.

The course will further address how alterations of internally directed cognition contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases and affective disorders. Evidence-based interventions aimed at modulating internally directed cognition and promoting psychological health will also be discussed, with particular reference to mindfulness meditation and psychotherapy.

Readings/Bibliography

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

Teaching methods

Teaching will combine lectures with the discussion of scientific papers, case studies, and contemporary research topics in cognitive neuroscience. Multimedia materials, including videos and digital resources, will be used to illustrate theoretical concepts and experimental methods.

Particular emphasis will be placed on the critical evaluation of scientific evidence and on the application of cognitive neuroscience methods to the study of cognition, wellbeing, and clinical disorders. Active participation in class discussions is expected. Due to the interactive nature of the course, attendance is mandatory.

Assessment methods

The assessment consists of two written midterm examinations, each lasting 1 hour and comprising two open-ended questions. Each question is graded on a 30-point scale. The mark for each midterm examination corresponds to the average score obtained across the two questions, and the final course mark (out of 30) corresponds to the average of the marks obtained in the two midterm examinations.

Students who do not take, or do not pass, one or both midterm examinations may take the comprehensive final examination. The final examination is written, lasts 2 hours, and consists of four open-ended questions covering the entire course programme. Each question is graded on a 30-point scale, and the final mark (out of 30) corresponds to the average score obtained across the four questions.

Assessment will take into account the accuracy, completeness, and critical integration of the course contents. The highest marks will be awarded to students demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topics covered, the ability to critically discuss empirical findings and theoretical models, and the capacity to integrate evidence from cognitive neuroscience and clinical research.

A mark of 30 cum laude may be awarded to students who achieve the highest level of performance in all assessment components.

No books, notes, electronic devices, forms of AI, or other supporting materials are allowed during the examination.

Students must register for the examination through the University's online system within the prescribed deadlines.

Students with specific learning disorders (DSA), disabilities, or temporary conditions that may affect their participation in assessment activities are encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support service as early as possible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). Any accommodations must be agreed upon in accordance with University regulations and communicated to the course instructor at least 15 days before the examination date.

Teaching tools

Frontal lectures with Power Point slides, scientific papers and reviews, collective discussions.

Office hours

See the website of Elisa Ciaramelli