METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS IN COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE

Università degli Studi
"G. d'Annunzio"

Chieti - Pescara

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Single discipline educational activity

Course Sheet

Course code:

PSICOG05

Academic Year of enrolment:

2022

Year of supply:

2022/2023

Type of Course:

Characterising

Degree:

Course of 2nd Cycle Degree in PSYCHOLOGY

Disciplinary Sector:

Psychobiology and Physiological Psychology

Language:

Italian

Location:

CHIETI

Credits:

Programme Year:

Professor and Collaborators:

COSTANTINI MARCELLO

SESTIERI CARLO

BALDASSARRE ANTONELLO

Cycle:

Second semester

Hours of classroom activity:

Individual study hours:

136

Prerequisites:

Previous knowledge on brain structure and function

Objectives

The module provides advanced training in research methods as a suitable foundation for a PhD research degree in cognitive neuroscience.
1. Graduates will acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of a broad range of quantitative and qualitative empirical methods to address cognitive neuroscience issues.
2. Graduates will be able to select and apply as appropriate a range of quantitative and qualitative empirical methods to answer cognitive neuroscience questions.
3. Graduates will be able to understand, plan and design an empirical investigation in one or more research topic in the field of cognitive neuroscience
4. Graduates will be able to assemble and integrate evidence from a variety of sources, and evaluate a range of contemporary issues in cognitive neuroscience
5. Graduates will be able to report, interpret and discuss original research findings to expert and naïve audience.
6. Graduates will be able to reflect on their own performance and make constructive use of feedback. Work independently, and plan work effectively.

Contents

1. Theoretical and methodological introduction to the study of brain activity
2. Neurophysiological methods (EEG, MEG)
3. Magnetic resonance techniques (MRI): physical principles
4. Magnetic resonance techniques: structural and functional (fMRI) techniques
5. Optical neuroimaging (NIRS)
6. Methods of nuclear medicine
7. Stimulation methods (TMS, TDCS and TACS)

Extended Syllabus

Historical perspective.
Neural activity.
Functional Anatomy of the Nervous System.
Psychophysics.
Electrophysiology.
Neurophysiological techniques: EEG and MEG.
Physical principles of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance.
Structural NeuroImaging: morphometry and diffusion techniques.
Functional Hemodynamic-Metabolic NeuroImaging: fMRI and PET, physiological principles, planning, execution and evaluation of an fMRI examination, simple and advanced experimental designs.
Stimulation techniques: TMS, TDCS, TACS.

Recommended Bibliography

K. Sacco (edited by). Neuroimaging for the study of the human brain. II Edition. Idelson-Gnocchi. Limited to chapters 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, Appendix.

Sandrini M. & Manenti R. Transcranial magnetic stimulation in the study of cognitive functions. Italian Journal of Psychology. (Available on the teaching e-learning page).

Methods of Provision

Conventional

Teaching Methods

Teaching is structured in 48 hours of frontal teaching, divided into 3-hour lessons, twice a week, based on the academic calendar. Frontal teaching consists of theoretical lessons.
The course also includes 16 hours of practical exercises aimed at consolidating the theoretical knowledge acquired.
Attendance is optional, however, given the complexity of the topics covered, attendance is strongly recommended.

Evaluation methods

Verification of learning:

The exam will be oral

Contacts/More Information

It is recommended to visit the e-learning page of the module regularly. The e-learning page will be used to upload lecture’s slides, additional readings and material, exam samples.

Università degli Studi
"G. d'Annunzio"

Chieti - Pescara

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