93505 - Cognitive Neuroscience and Brain Plasticity

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students know the brain processes underlying maturation, plasticity and aging and the associated changes in cognitive and emotional functions across the life span.

Course contents

The course is designed to provide advanced knowledge of the neural basis and functional mechanisms of human behaviour, affective and cognitive processes and their alteration in patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders, drawing on both theoretical and methodological contributions of current literature, and integrating different methodological approaches, with practical examples in the areas of brain health, well-being and social neuroscience.

The course involves 2 modules, whose specific contents are the following:

Module 1 (Prof. Borgomaneri)

• Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience: physiological measures, brain stimulation, functional imaging and neuropsychological approach
• Processing emotional and social information: Theories of emotions, perceptions of emotions, fear conditioning and empathy
• Healthy aging: changes in behavioral and neuroanatomical substrates

Module 2 (Prof. Candini)

• Development of the central nervous system
• Brain plasticity across development
• Cognitive and socio-emotional development from Infancy to Adolescence

Readings/Bibliography

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

Suggested bibliography:

• Banich, M.T. & Compton R.J. (2018) Cognitive Neuroscience, 4th Edition. Cambridge University Press.

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures during which the topic of each module will be interactively discussed, group discussions of neuroscientific papers, works in small groups with class presentation, seminars presented by experts and practical sessions.

Assessment methods

Students will be asked to present and discuss scientific papers during the course (in progress assessment). Moreover, at the end of the course, they will take a written exam with 3 open-ended questions (1 question for module 1 and 2 questions for module 2) to complete in 60 minutes (approximately 20 minutes per question). It should be noted that passing the exam requires obtaining a passing grade (18) in both modules.

The assessment will be based on the following grading criteria:

Grade 18–20: Responses are satisfactory or just satisfactory, demonstrating a superficial knowledge of the topics and a limited understanding of the relevant literature. The ability to elaborate on the content is basic and lacks depth.

Grade 21–23: Responses are fair, reflecting an overall adequate but not consistently in-depth preparation. Knowledge of the relevant literature is sufficient, although not always detailed, and the ability to critically elaborate on the content is only partially developed.

Grade 24–26: Responses are good, demonstrating a generally solid knowledge of the topics and a satisfactory level of engagement with the relevant literature. The content is presented accurately and coherently, with a good ability to synthesize information.

Grade 27–30: Responses are comprehensive or highly comprehensive, characterized by an in-depth knowledge of the relevant literature and a strong ability to critically analyze and elaborate on the content.

Grade 30 cum laude: Responses are outstanding, demonstrating complete and thorough mastery of the topics, an exceptionally advanced level of critical analysis, and extensive independent integration of the literature.

During the examination, the use of textbooks, notes, electronic devices, or any other supporting materials is not permitted. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools during the examination is strictly prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of the University's academic integrity policy.

Students must register for the examination through the University's online examination registration system within the published deadlines. Students who experience technical difficulties preventing registration must promptly notify the Academic Office and email Prof. Borgomaneri before the registration deadline. Admission to the examination under these circumstances is at the discretion of the course instructor.

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 Michela Candini

See the website of Sara Borgomaneri