B2979 - Cognitive Neuroscience

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student: - understands the neurophysiological bases of mental and cognitive functions; - understands the sensory and motor systems controlling behavior, with particular focus on the cerebral cortex; - understands functions such as attention, perception, memory, motivation, and emotion.

Course contents

The course aims to explore the neurophysiological foundations of brain functions in depth, with particular reference to cognitive functions. Ultimately, all our behaviors can be traced back to changes in the activity of nerve cells—changes definable in biochemical, molecular, and neurotransmitter terms: neurons in a specific brain region become active, and this produces a behavior. This holds true not only for the most "elementary" behaviors, such as motor activity, but also for the "higher" cognitive functions considered unique to the human species. Even the emotions associated with memory and abstract thought are the product of cerebral neuronal activity. We will begin by analyzing the principles and general organization of sensory and motor systems, focusing particularly on the cerebral cortex.

We will then delve into functions such as attention, perception and memory, emotions, and motivation.

 

Syllabus

1. Neuroanatomical bases of behavior. Sensory systems. (Chatzidimitrakis)

2. Executive functions (Bosco)

3. Decision-making processes (Bosco)

4. Higher-level vision, cognition, and memory (Chatzidimitrakis)

5. Emotions and motivation (Chatzidimitrakis)

6. Attention (Bosco)

Readings/Bibliography

The following texts are recommended:

E. Kandel, J.D. Koester, S.H. Mack, S.A. Siegelbaum, Principles of Neural Science , Zanichelli, 5th ed., 2023

or, alternatively:

D Purves, R Cabeza, SA Huttel et al. Principles of Cognitive Neuroscience,, Zanichelli, 2 ed, 2015

The instructors will provide supplementary material during the course.

Teaching methods

The Course consists of 7 CFU, corresponding to 56 hours of teaching. The teaching is divided between Prof. Zoccoli (3,5 CFU) and Prof. Bosco (3,5 CFU). The exam program is covered in its entirety during the course. The lessons are based on frontal teaching. There will be moments of discussion on topics indicated by the students.

Assessment methods

The assessment aims to verify that students have acquired the theoretical knowledge regarding the topics presented during lectures. The exam is a written test consisting of six open-ended questions—three covering the syllabus section taught by Prof. Chatzidimitrakis and three covering the section taught by Prof. Bosco—to be answered within one hour. The final grade is calculated on a scale of 30, based on the arithmetic sum of the scores obtained for the six questions (with a maximum of 5 points per question); a score of 18/30 or higher is required to pass. Excellent grades are awarded to students who demonstrate a comprehensive, integrated understanding of the exam topics and the ability to apply them critically, as well as a command of expressive language and appropriate technical terminology. A largely mechanical or rote understanding of the subject matter, limited analytical and synthesis skills, and/or language that is grammatically correct but not always precise result in fair/satisfactory grades; knowledge gaps and/or inappropriate language—even when accompanied by a minimal grasp of the exam material—lead to grades that meet the minimum passing threshold. Significant knowledge gaps, inappropriate language, and a lack of familiarity with the course materials result in a failing grade. The use of supporting materials—such as textbooks, notes, or electronic devices—is not permitted during the exam.

 

Students with certified learning disabilities or other disabilities who wish to request accommodations for the exam must contact the Service for Students with Disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it) well in advance to arrange the specific measures and aids required. The request must then be submitted to the instructor at least 15 days before the exam date; the instructor will evaluate the suitability of the proposal.

Teaching tools

Slides (PowerPoint) and reading material for this course can be downloaded from the website:

https://virtuale.unibo.it/

by students enrolled at the University of Bologna (University institutional username and password required).

Office hours

See the website of Konstantinos Chatzidimitrakis

See the website of Annalisa Bosco