Entry requirements

General entry requirements

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Describe the structure and development of the human brain, from embryonic stages to adolescence, including evolutionary perspectives.
• Describe the central nervous system's organization: from neurons to brain structures, with some insight into the peripheral nervous system.
• Explain neuron structure, synaptic communication, and the role of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators (e.g., hormones, peptides).
• Explain key brain regions involved in basic psychological and behavioral processes, such as language, learning, motivation, emotion, motor ability, and perception. 
• Provide examples of key brain research methods (e.g., MRI, PET, ERP, EEG) and account for their main features.

Content

The course provides a general introduction for understanding how the brain supports key psychological and behavioral processes. Furthermore, it illustrates how these functions operate in the healthy brain as well as in disease, through examples of neurological and psychological disorders.

Key areas of study in this course include:

• Theories and facts about the human brain
• Communication within the brain, sensory inputs and and brain-body interactions
• Biological underpinnings of psychological and behavioral processes
• Research methodologies, including imaging techniques and data processing

Instruction

The teaching consists of lectures and seminars.

Assessment

Assessment of students' knowledge takes place through assignments, active participation in seminars and presentations, and written examination. The content of teaching sessions can constitute a basis for examination even where attendance is not compulsory.