93922 - Neuroscience and Cognition

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 neural and functional substrate of human mind and behavior, including perception, attention, decision-making and cognitive control. The student is able to critically read experimental and theoretical studies of cognitive and affective neuroscience, to evaluate their methods and results, explain their significance and relevance to the field of biomedical engineering.

Course contents

At the end of the course the student is be able to:

• get in-depth understanding of the neural substrates and functional mechanisms of mental processes;
• get knowledge of the-state-of-the-art methodologies and novel approaches of current research in Cognitive Neuroscience;
• critically review and discuss the theoretical and empirical contributions of the current literature, understand and analyse the methods employed, interpret their results and critically assess their conclusions;
• exercise the ability to engage in creative thinking leading to formulations of new hypotheses and planning of their empirical testing.

The course Cognition & Neuroscience is divided into two teaching modules.

Module 1 (3 CFU):

• An introduction to past and current paradigms in theoretical and empirical research in Cognitive Neuroscience;
• Combining multiple methods to address outstanding questions in Cognitive Neuroscience
• Sensation and Perception, Attention, Cognition and Decision-Making
• A functional role for brain oscillations in human perception and cognition
  
• Conscious processes of the human brain

Module 2 (3 CFU):

 

• Introduction to reinforcement learning: principles of Pavlovian and instrumental learning.
• Neural bases of learning and memory: the role of synaptic plasticity.
• Computational mechanisms of reinforcement learning: contiguity, contingency, surprise, and prediction errors.
• The reward prediction error hypothesis of dopamine neurons
• From reinforcement learning to decision-making: neural mechanisms underlying goal-directed and habitual behaviour.
• Methods in cognitive neuroscience: recording and analysis of electrodermal activity (Lab practicum)

Readings/Bibliography

Scientific articles and lecture material will be available on "Virtuale" and will represent the core material needed for passing the exam.

Teaching methods

Lectures on the different topics of the modules will be approached in an interactive way, through the discussion of neuroscientific articles, organization of small groups led by the teacher and aimed at in depth discussion and presentations to the classroom. The student will therefore be required to participate actively during the lectures, ask questions about the topics discussed, stimulate the debate and critically discuss the scientific articles assigned during the course.

Assessment methods

Written Examination

The written examination consists of four open-ended questions to be completed within 60 minutes (15 minutes per question).

The exam is aimed at verifying the acquired knowledge of the core arguments discussed during the course. Answers should be provided exclusively in English.

Each question is worth up to 7.5 marks. The final grade (out of 30) is obtained by summing the marks awarded for each question.

The following assessment criteria will be applied to each answer:

• Demonstrates broad knowledge and understanding of the topic being assessed (up to 4 marks);
• Shows critical analysis and the ability to integrate different aspects of the scientific literature (up to 2 marks);
• Is well written, logically structured, and clearly argued (up to 1.5 marks).

Honours (30 cum laude) will be awarded to students who, in addition to obtaining the maximum score, demonstrate the ability to critically elaborate upon the study material.

Final Grade Scale

• Below 18/30: Failure to answer at least two questions (knowledge limited to only a small portion of the course content).
• 18–19/30: Failure to answer one question (partial preparation of the course material) and/or only partial answers to the questions.
• 20–24/30: Partial knowledge of the course topics, with incomplete or partially developed answers.
• 25–29/30: Good knowledge of a broad range of topics covered in the course, ability to develop independent critical analyses, and appropriate use of discipline-specific terminology.
• 30–30 cum laude: Comprehensive knowledge of the course content, ability to critically analyse and integrate concepts independently, full command of the appropriate terminology, and excellent argumentative and reflective skills.
  

Examination Regulations

During the examination, the use of any supporting materials is strictly prohibited, including textbooks, scientific articles, notes, and electronic devices (e.g., tablets, smartphones, smartwatches).

With regard to the assessment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is strictly prohibited. Any use of AI during the examination constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Students must register for the examination through the AlmaEsami online system within the official registration deadlines. Students who experience technical difficulties preventing registration before the deadline must promptly notify the Teaching Office (and, in any case, before the official closing of the registration lists) and send an email to Prof. Romei. Admission to the examination under these circumstances is solely at the discretion of the course instructor.

 

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Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible ([https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students]) 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

PowerPoint slides, video clips, scientific articles

Office hours

See the website of Vincenzo Romei

See the website of Francesca Starita