47946 - Cognitive Neurophysiology

Learning outcomes

 

The course is aimed to provide the topics useful for the knowledge of physiology of relationship and of central integrative functions typical of human. The topic focused on the physiologic mechanisms for integrative functions of central nervous system and in particular the cerebral hemisferes. The more recent experimental models are presented, in particular the highest cognitive functions.

Course contents

Visual perception: from photoreceptors to visual cortex. All the processes that allow vision and perception.
 
The Association cortices: the parietal association cortex and its role in attention and in spatial perception. The temporal association cortex and memory. The frontal association cortex and planning of actions.

Language: language and brain. The hemispheric lateralization.

Memory: types of memory. Amnesia. Memory and aging. Circuits for memories.

Cortical plasticity: changing of cerebral circuits as result of experience. Critical periods. The development of language.

 

Time and numbers: how the brain deals with quantities and time perception.

Physiology of relationship life: sex and brain: neuronal basis of sexual behaviour. Neurophysiological bases of emotional behaviour and of motivation.

Readings/Bibliography

Purves et al., NEUROSCIENZE, ed Zanichelli, 2005, 2013
Purves et al., Neuroscienze cognitive, ed Zanichelli 2009, 2013

Teaching methods

Power point presentation during frontal lessons

Assessment methods

Oral examination (registration in Alma RM at least 4 days before the date of the exame). The student will present two different subjects from the program, chosen by the examiner. The student needs to have a decent preparation on both topics, in order to pass the examination.Students following lessons have the possibility to perform a partial examination "in itinere" (it elapses after 6 months).

The final exam aims at assessing and evaluating the achievement of the educational aims:

-        knowledge of neurophysiological mechanisms organizing integrative functions of the central nervous system and in particular of the cerebral hemispheres

-        knowledge of recent experimental models used to study the highest cognitive functions.

 

It will be assessed the student's capability to orient within the various topics of physiology program. It will be evaluated with excellence the achievement of a global view of course topics together with a critical use of them, the ability to perform conceptual correlations, the demonstration of  both expressive and specific language mastery competence.

Teaching tools

video projections of Power Point presentations

Links to further information

http://www.gallettilab.unibo.it/People.html/people%20fattori.html

Office hours

See the website of Patrizia Fattori