Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to study in depth the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the main cognitive functions and some examples of animal and human behaviour. Some neuropsychological syndromes will be also described. Students will also begin to learn a critical reading of scientific articles
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of neuron physiology and of the neurophysiology of sensory and motor functions
Course unit content
General principles of the organization of cerebral cortex in relation to cognitive functions. Description of the main experimental approaches to the investigation of cognitive functions. Neurophysiological coding of space. Attention. Face recognition. Object perception and object pragmatic description. Perception of biological stimuli. Neurobiological models of learning and memory. Language and communication: Phylogenetic and neurobiological aspects. Emotions.
Full programme
Introduction to neurophysiological and neuropsychological approach to cognitive functions. High order visual processing. Recognition of objects, biological motion and faces. General properties of voluntary motor control. Parieto-frontal circuits. Neurophysiological coding of space. Spatial attention and neglect. Encoding of motor goals and pragmatic description of objects. Apraxia. Neurobiological models of learning and memory. Amnesic syndrome. Language and communication: Phylogenetic and neurobiological aspects. Aphasia. Emotions and stress.
Bibliography
Zigmond M.J. et al. Neuroscienze. Ed. Edises
Pinel. Psicobiologia. Ed. Il Mulino
Kandel, Schwartz and Jessel. Principi di Neuroscienze. Ed. Ambrosiana
Rizzolatti, Sinigaglia: So quel che fai. Il cervello che agisce e i neuroni specchio. Ed.Cortina.
Gazzaniga, Ivry and Mangun, Neuroscienze Cognitive. Ed. Zanichelli
Teaching methods
Traditional lesson, seminars, article reading and discussion.
Assessment methods and criteria
Final oral examination on the suggested textbooks, on lectures and on further material uploaded on Elly.
Other information
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