Enrollment year
2022/2023
Academic discipline
BIO/09 (PHYSIOLOGY)
Department
DEPARTMENT OF BRAIN AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
Course
PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Curriculum
PERCORSO COMUNE
Period
1st semester (26/09/2022 - 13/01/2023)
Lesson hours
54 lesson hours
Activity type
WRITTEN TEST
Prerequisites
As the course is in the first year, no specific prerequisites are required.
Learning outcomes
To provide the basis for a scientific understanding of the neural correlates of human behaviour.
Course contents
Part I
• Introduction to Neuroscience
• General introduction to the physiology of neurons and glial cells
- Glial cells: types and function
- Neurons. Morphology: body, axon, dendrites; bipolar neurons.
• Rest and action potentials
• Synaptic Transmission
- Electrical and chemical synapses
- Neurotransmitters
- Post-synaptic receptors
- Post-synaptic excitatory and inhibitory potentials, spatial and temporal integration of signals
• Anatomy of the Central Nervous System
• Liquor and blood circulation in the Central Nervous System
Part II
• Sensory and motor systems. Tactile sensation. Proprioception. Pain. Temperature perception. Visual system. Auditory system. Chemical senses: taste and smell. Vestibular system. Motor systems.
Teaching methods
In accordance with the University Guidelines for teaching activities in the 2022/2023 academic year, the course will take place in presence. The students will be able to download the lessons and consult the slides or other teaching materials from the university platform KIRO.
Reccomended or required readings
Bear MF, Connors BW, Paradiso MA.
Neuroscience. Exploring the brain (Masson, fourth or third edition).
Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 e Appendix ch.7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.
Part I
Chapter 1. Neuroscience: Past, Present and Future
Chapter 2. Neuron and Glia
Chapter 3. The Neuronal Membrane at Rest
Chapter 4. The Action Potential
Chapter 5. Synaptic Transmission
Chapter 7. The Structure of the Nervous System
Appendix: An illustrated Guide to Human Neuroanatomy
Part II
Chapter 8. The Chemical Senses
Chapter 9. The Eye
Chapter 10. The Central Visual System
Chapter 11. The Auditory and Vestibular System
Chapter 12. The Somatic Sensory System
Chapter 13. Spinal Control of Movement
Chapter 14. Brain Control of Movement
Assessment methods
The exam consists of a written test with multiple-choice questions.
Further information
There is no differentiation of the program between attending and non-attending students.
Slides shown during the lectures will be available online on the KIRO platform.
Sustainable development goals - Agenda 2030
Università di Pavia - Offerta formativa