47946 - Cognitive Neurophysiology

Academic Year 2012/2013

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Long cycle 2nd degree programme in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies (cod. 0038)

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.

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

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
Purves et al., Neuroscienze cognitive, ed Zanichelli 2009

Teaching methods

Power point presentation during frontal lessons

Assessment methods

Oral examination on 2 different topics. Students following lessons can have an examination "in itinere" upon request.

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