06551 - Neurophysiology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows the perception and processing mechanisms of sensory information, the physiological mechanisms underlying the integrated functions of the nervous system, and the most recent experimental models related to the study of these functions. The knowledge learned will allow the student to investigate the most complex functions and to discover their physiological mechanisms.

Course contents

Sensory receptors. Decoding of sensory information. Transduction processes in various receptor types. Primary sensory cortices.

Visual perception. From the eye to the primary visual cortex. Central visual pathways. Dorsal and ventral visual streams.

The frontal lobe: its role in planning actions and the interpretation of what is done by others.

The parietal cortex: general functions and in visuomotor control.

Neural bases of emotions, language, memory and learning, attention.

Brain-machine interfaces: basic principles.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation: basic principles and use in neuroscience.

Readings/Bibliography

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

Teaching methods

Powerpoint 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 (70% at least) 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 sensory mechanisms of perception and elaboration of sensory information

- Knowledge of physiological mechanisms underlying integrative functions of central nervous system

- knowledge of recent experimental models used to study 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

Lectures will be done in a Power Point presentation format. The material for the slides (e.g. figures, photos) will come mainly from the suggested textbooks. All teaching material will be available on the designated digital platforms (servers) of the University.

In order to prepare for the exam it is suggested to attend actively the lectures, study from a textbook and use both the notes taken during lectures and the material put by the tutor on the server of the University.

Office hours

See the website of Rossella Breveglieri