Learning objectives
<p>The course aims at stimulating the interest in a relatively young discipline of neuroscience, characterized by multidisciplinarity and rapid growth. Given that psychobiology deals with neural, neuroendocrine, and physiological bases of behavior, the course underlines the importance of integrating knowledge of neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, neuroendocrinology, neuropharmachology, and neurophysiology. The various area of psychobiological research are described, with special emphasis on theoretical and methodological features, the available experimental evidences and possible clinical implications. </p>
Prerequisites
Anatomy, Citology and Histology, Integrative Physiology
Course unit content
<br />
Psychobiology as a neuroscience <br />
<br />
Evolution, genes and experience <br />
<br />
Research methods in psychobiology <br />
<br />
Psychobiology of nutrition and feeding behavior <br />
<br />
Hormones and sexual behavior <br />
<br />
Stress physiology <br />
<br />
Stress and psychosomatic disorders <br />
<br />
Stress and psychopathologies <br />
<br />
Drugs and reward brain circuits <br />
<br />
Laboratory activities: bibliographic research, presentation of an experimental protocol, handling and presentation of experimental data <br />
Full programme
- - -
Bibliography
- J. Pinel. Biopsychology. Allyn & Bacon. 2008<br />
- G. Fink. Encyclopedia of Stress. Academic Press. 2000 <br />
Teaching methods
Oral classes and guided management of experimental data
Assessment methods and criteria
- - -
Other information
- - -
