FORENSIC NEUROSCIENCE
Stampa
Enrollment year
2022/2023
Academic year
2023/2024
Regulations
DM270
Academic discipline
M-PSI/02 (PSYCHOBIOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY)
Department
DEPARTMENT OF BRAIN AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
Course
PSYCHOLOGY, NEUROSCIENCE AND HUMAN SCIENCES
Curriculum
PERCORSO COMUNE
Year of study
Period
2nd semester (12/02/2024 - 31/05/2024)
ECTS
6
Lesson hours
36 lesson hours
Language
English
Activity type
WRITTEN AND ORAL TEST
Teacher
BOTTINI GABRIELLA (titolare) - 6 ECTS
Prerequisites
There are no specific prerequisites related to legal and forensic knowledge to enroll in the course. However, a review of neurobiological correlates of behavior is recommended. In particular, a solid understanding of the cognitive and emotional processes characterizing a healthy individual is necessary. Furthermore, a comprehensive knowledge of neural architecture and the major behavioral disorders and syndromes associated with selective damage to specific brain regions and circuits is required. Prerequisite knowledge refers to the completion of courses in Physiological Psychology and Cognitive Rehabilitation during the undergraduate degree or equivalent.
Learning outcomes
The course falls within the field of cognitive neuroscience and addresses physiological and pathological cognitive-behavioral processes in both clinical and forensic settings. Various topics of interest in neuropsychology will be covered, with implications in both theoretical and experimental aspects, as well as numerous clinical application contexts. Students will gain theoretical knowledge regarding legal and ethical aspects, with a particular focus on the interaction with neuroscience. The challenges of this interaction concerning semantic encoding, methodology, and the preparation of interdisciplinary documents (e.g., expert reports) will be discussed. Additionally, students will acquire fundamental skills in different methodological tools. The main objective is to define the role of neuropsychology in the context of the law, both in civil and criminal domains. Students will also be provided with knowledge concerning evaluation and cognitive rehabilitation techniques in specific contexts, such as remote interventions. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between neuropsychology, cognitive sciences, and the legal system. They will be able to critically assess the complex interaction between neuroscience and the law and will be equipped with foundational competencies to critically evaluate suitable evaluation and rehabilitation methodologies in various legal contexts.During the course, the knowledge of the English language in scientific context will also be implemented.
Course contents
The course will address the theoretical foundations of modern Neuropsychology and its practical applications in Clinical and Forensic settings:
• Introduction to Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychology;
• Ethics in Neuroscience;
• The relationship with the patient and the subject undergoing examination;
• Capacity to understand and consent, free will;
• Assessment tools;
• Simulation;
• Emotional Processes and their alterations due to brain injuries: identifying disorders and analyzing investigative paradigms;
• Medical-legal and forensic aspects of substance abuse;
• Evaluation of driving capacity and license renewal;
• Remote assessment and rehabilitation tools;
• Good Clinical Practices.
In addition to Prof. Bottini, some expert faculty members in this field will conduct seminars during the course. Examples of the use of functional neuroimaging techniques in investigating the functioning of brain structures will be presented, with a particular focus on illustrative clinical cases.
Teaching methods
The course will adopt a variety of teaching methods to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. In addition to traditional lectures, we will host expert professionals from various areas of neuropsychological research and clinical practice, such as lawyers, ethicists, neuropsychologists, and neuroscientists. These experts will share their knowledge and experiences with the students, offering a unique opportunity to deepen the understanding of different applications of neuropsychology in both legal and clinical contexts. 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. Students will also be invited to participate in the presentation and active discussion of real clinical cases. The course aims to provide a stimulating and inclusive learning environment that encourages active student participation and promotes a deep understanding of clinical and forensic neuropsychology.
Reccomended or required readings
Scientific papers relative to the various discussed topics, among which literature reviews, legal cases and research reports.
Assessment methods
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 and forensic practice. Students will be encouraged to demonstrate their critical analysis and problem-solving skills in complex neuropsychological contexts, as well as their ability to connect the various topics covered during the course.
Further information
The course will be held face-to-face, unless health risks arise. Alternatively, it will be carried out through the Zoom.Us platform.
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