B8886 - Cognition, Brain and Behavior: Multisensory Integration (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, the students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the mechanisms underlying perception and multisensory integration. They will be able to understand the perceptual and behavioural consequences of multisensory integration and the key determinants of these intersensory bindings: the role of attention on crossmodal perception and multisensory integration; the multisensory brain's representation of the body and of peripersonal space and the cortical plasticity across sensory modalities and the effects of sensory deprivation.

Course contents

This course will describe and evaluate the results of recent research on multisensory integration. First, the mechanisms underlying multisensory integration will be outlined. We will then examine the perception of multisensory events, the advantages afforded by the ability to combine different sensory modalities and the key determinants of intersensory interactions. Another key question addressed will be how multisensory interactions are linked to and modulated by attention. We will specifically consider the latest evidence assessing the role of exogenous and endogenous attentional mechanisms on crossmodal processes. In addition, we will also focus on recent research concerning how multisensory information is used to create multiple spatial representations of our body parts and of the spaces within which they can act. We will see how these representations that are used to guide body movements through space show a considerable degree of plasticity. Finally, we will consider how the cortical system for perception may become radically reorganized after sensory deprivation and evaluate this surprising degree of cross-modal plasticity.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Readings/Bibliography

The relevant course material will be shared with students during the course of the teaching period. The course content is based primarily on scientific papers and articles. Students will be asked to read these in advance and to discuss these in class.

The reading list is available on Virtuale.

Non-attending students are strongly encouraged to contact the lecturer to discuss a tailored list of additional readings.

Teaching methods

The course will be delivered through a mixture of structured lectures and small group teaching involving focused discussions on key topics and group discussion of research papers. 

Assessment methods

The final assessment will be a written exam. Students will have one and a half hour to answer five questions.

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

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

Lectures material will be shared with students together with the scientific papers and articles that will be considered in class. Students will be invited to take part in an empirical study to further their understanding of research methods.

Office hours

See the website of Elena Gherri