2022/2023

2024/2025

DM270

M-PSI/02 (PSYCHOBIOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY)

DEPARTMENT OF BRAIN AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES

PERCORSO COMUNE

3°

1st semester (23/09/2024 - 10/01/2025)

9

54 lesson hours

Italian

ORAL TEST

BOTTINI GABRIELLA (titolare) - 9 ECTS

To participate in the course, a basic understanding of cognitive processes and a specific focus on the neurobiological correlates of behavior are required. Specifically, a fundamental comprehension of neural architecture, major syndromes, and specific neuropsychological symptoms resulting from lesions in brain areas and/or circuits is necessary. The competencies expected for this course are built upon the acquisition of knowledge from the program of the Physiological Psychology course. Students should be familiar with key concepts and mechanisms related to the physiology and functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system, as well as the interactions between the brain and behavior.

Training objectives

-Primary Objectives:

The cognitive rehabilitation course aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the neurophysiological basis of neural plasticity and the theoretical and practical foundations of cognitive rehabilitation methodology. Traditional and computerized rehabilitation approaches, including those based on virtual reality, will be presented for major deficitary and productive neuropsychological and behavioral disorders. Additionally, students will acquire knowledge about neuro-modulation techniques, both in experimental and clinical settings, used in the field of rehabilitation.

-Secondary Objectives:

Through the analysis of fundamental cognitive models, students will have the opportunity to learn and better understand the various diagnostic and rehabilitation approaches. Exemplary clinical cases for different neuropsychological syndromes will be illustrated, offering practical and concrete examples of applying theoretical knowledge.

During the course, the knowledge of the English language will also be implemented.

Expected learning outcomes

a) Students will be equipped with the necessary tools to formulate and discuss different diagnostic hypotheses and link behavioral evidence to underlying neurophysiological changes.

b) Students will be able to critically evaluate various assessment and rehabilitation approaches and the application of different intervention techniques.

The course program includes the following contents:

The course will address the theoretical foundations of Cognitive Rehabilitation and its practical applications:
• Foundations of cognitive rehabilitation of neuropsychological functions;
• Brain plasticity;
• Methodological bases of cognitive rehabilitation;
• Role of functional neuroimaging in cognitive rehabilitation;
• Physiological manipulations of the CNS (VCS, prisms, and other techniques);
• Instrumental rehabilitation techniques (tDCS, TMS, virtual reality);
• Language and fundamentals of language rehabilitation;
• Neuropsychology and rehabilitation of disorders of the representation, perception, and exploration of space;
• Disorders of body schema and their rehabilitation;
• Neuropsychology and rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury;
• Rehabilitation of emotional disorders and the role of emotions during the rehabilitative process;
• Neuropsychology and rehabilitation of acute stroke;
• Neuropsychology and rehabilitation of addictions;
• Relationship with caregivers of severe brain-injured patients;
• Pathological aging and neuropsychological stimulation of the elderly with cognitive decline;
• Neuropsychology and rehabilitation of memory disorders.
In addition to Prof. Bottini, some expert faculty members in this field will conduct seminars during the course.

The contents of the course will be addressed with consideration of ethical-deontological principles, which, depending on the specific topic, will be described in detail by the lecturer, both from a theoretical point of view and with direct connection to practical activity (e.g. through the discussion of case examples).

The course will adopt a variety of teaching methods to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

For each CFU (25 hours) there are:

4 hours of didactics in delivery mode-DE

In addition to traditional lectures, we will host expert professionals from various areas of neuropsychological research and clinical practice. These experts will share their knowledge and experiences with the students, offering a unique opportunity to deepen the understanding of different applications of cognitive rehabilitation. The lectures will be conducted in person, ensuring access to the teaching material through the university platform KIRO. Students will be able to download lectures, review slides, and access other educational resources, enabling them to delve into the content covered during the course. It is important to note that there will be no differentiation of the curriculum between attending and non-attending students. All students will have the opportunity to access the course content and fully benefit from the educational resources available. The course aims to provide a stimulating and inclusive learning environment that encourages active student participation and promotes a deep understanding of the topic.

2 hours of interactive teaching-DI

Students will also be invited to partecipate in the presentation and active discussion of real clinical cases.

19 hours of self-study on texts from the course bibliography, provided slides, assigned scientific articles and provided clinical cases.

In order to facilitate inclusive teaching, the lecturer provides up to 2 hours per week of reception, by appointment.
In accordance with the University Guidelines on the delivery mode of teaching in the academic year 2023/2024, the course will be conducted through in-person attendable lectures scheduled at specific dates and times.

- Mazzucchi, A. (2020) "La riabilitazione neuropsicologica. Premesse teoriche e applicazioni cliniche". 4° Ed., Edra.
ISBN: 978-8821450853

- Stracciari A; Berti A.; Bottini G. (2016) "Manuale di valutazione neuropsicologica dell'adulto" Ed. il Mulino
ISBN: 978-8815259011

-Lecture notes and slides

The exam will be an oral assessment on a scale of 30 points. The exam will cover all the topics discussed during the course, as well as those proposed in the textbooks indicated in the syllabus. The evaluation will be based on the completeness of the answers provided by the students, their ability to argue and critically apply the knowledge acquired during the course to real or realistic cases. The student's capacity to present answers clearly and coherently will also be taken into consideration. The aim of the evaluation is to assess a deep understanding of the topics and the students' ability to effectively apply theoretical knowledge to clinical practice. Students will be encouraged to demonstrate their critical analysis and problem-solving skills in complex cognitive rehabilitation contexts, as well as their ability to connect the various topics covered during the course.

The course will be held face-to-face, unless health risks arise. Alternatively, it will be carried out through the Zoom.Us platform. As part of the University's activities for Innovative Teaching and to promote inclusion, the instructor ensures up to two hours of weekly office hours, to be arranged with the instructor directly.

Within the framework of the University's Innovative Didactics activities and in order to promote inclusion, the lecturer guarantees up to 2 hours of reception per week, to be agreed with the lecturer
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