B1887 - Mind, Cognition and Brain (1)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student is able to understand the main mechanisms responsible for basic cognitive functions such as attention, memory, learning and language. Through the study of classical experimental paradigms and clinical cases he/she is able to evaluate both the cognitive models that describe these mental functions and the neural mechanisms underlying them. Furthermore, he/she is able to critically evaluate elements of the debate on the nature of the mind-brain relationship.

Course contents

How does the human mind work? What is the relationship between mind, brain and behaviour? The aim of this course is to offer students some basic tools to address these and other questions. The course provides a broad overview of the main cognitive functions following a multidisciplinary perspective that balances cognitive theories with neuroscientific and neuropsychological evidence. Specifically, after a brief introduction about the brain (structure and methods), we will delve on perception, attention and space, memory, learning and plasticity, action, cognitive control and consciousness. 

Readings/Bibliography

Essential readings (During the course a list of specific chapters will be specified for each of these books):

• Berti, Bottini & Neppi – Modona (2014). Elementi di neuroscienze cognitive. Carocci Editore.
• Nichelli (2020). Il cervello e la mente. Il Mulino.
  
• Kandell (2018). La mente alterata. Raffaello Cortina Editore.
  

 

Suggested readings (for non-attending students):

• Aglioti & Berlucchi (2013). Neurofobia. Chi ha paura del cervello? Raffaello Cortina Editore
• Legrenzi & Umiltà (2009). Neuromania. Il cervello non spiega chi siamo.
• Gazzaniga, Ivry & Mangun (2021). Neuroscienze cognitive. Zanichelli.

 

Teaching methods

PowerPoint-assisted lectures (slide-lectures).

Lectures attendance is not compulsory but is strongly recommended.

Assessment methods

Assessment method

The final exam consists of three open-ended questions aimed at assessing the students' knowledge of the course contents, their ability to critically evaluate these topics and to compare and contrast the main theoretical frameworks of cognitive psychology.

Foreign students who feel more confortable to take the exam in English, must get in touch with the lecturer at the beginning of the course to arrange a suitable examination procedure.

Exam sessions: During the 2025/2026 academic year, exam sessions are scheduled in the following months: March - June - July - September - December - January 

Students with disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD): Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders have the right to special adjustments according to their condition, following an assessment by the Service for Students with Disabilities and SLD. Please do not contact the instructor but get in touch with the Service directly to schedule an appointment. It will be the responsibility of the Service to determine the appropriate adjustments. For more information, visit the page: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students .

It is recommended that students contact the University office in advance. Any proposed adjustments must be submitted at least 15 days in advance for the instructor’s approval, who will evaluate their appropriateness in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Students are encouraged to take part in research activities carried out in the Departmental Labs during the academic year.

Office hours

See the website of Elena Gherri