CH0003 - NEUROPHYSIOLOGY

courses
ID:
CH0003
Duration (hours):
48
CFU:
6
SSD:
FISIOLOGIA
Located in:
CHIETI
Url:
COMPUTATIONAL COGNITIVE SCIENCE/CORSO GENERICO Year: 1
Year:
2025
Course Catalogue:
https://unich.coursecatalogue.cineca.it/af/2025?co...

Overview

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (01/10/2025 - 18/01/2026)

Syllabus

Course Objectives


The course aims to provide students with a solid and integrated understanding of the principles of neurophysiology, with particular focus on the role of the central nervous system in the integration and control of sensory, motor, and behavioral functions.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate neuronal activity and synaptic communication.
Analyze the functional organization of sensory and motor systems and their contribution to perception and movement.
Interpret the neural bases of cognitive, emotional, and motivational processes, with reference to behavior.
Explore the interactions between the nervous system, the endocrine system, and behavior, with particular attention to homeostatic mechanisms.
Integrate knowledge at the cellular, systemic, and behavioral levels to understand the overall functioning of the nervous system.

Teaching Methods


Classroom-based lectures

Assessment Methods


Student learning will be assessed through written in-course tests, designed to monitor the progressive understanding of the topics covered during the course. Alternatively, or in the absence of intermediate assessments, a final written exam will be administered to evaluate the knowledge acquired, critical analysis skills, and the ability to integrate key concepts in neurophysiology.

Texts


1. Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain – Bear, Connors, Paradiso;
2. Principles of Neural Science – Kandel, Schwartz, Jessell;
3. Neuroscience – Purves et al.

Contents


The course provides an in-depth overview of the fundamental principles of neurophysiology, with particular focus on the functioning of the nervous system. It covers the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal activity, the functional organization of the nervous system, and the modes of communication between nerve cells.
A central part of the course is dedicated to the study of the neural bases of behavior, with the aim of understanding how nervous activity gives rise to cognitive, emotional, and motivational processes. The course will explore the neurobiological processes of sensation and perception, as well as the integration and response mechanisms at the endocrine, motor, and behavioral levels.
Significant attention is given to the sensory systems, with a detailed analysis of the organization and functioning of the visual, auditory, somatosensory, olfactory, and gustatory systems. The course will also delve into the mechanisms of sensory integration and their relevance in shaping perceptual experience.
The course also includes the study of the motor systems, from movement planning to execution, and the systems involved in the control of visceral functions and body homeostasis, with particular emphasis on the role of the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamus.

Course Language


Italian/english

More information


Office hours are available Monday through Friday by appointment. Please contact me via email at andrea.mazzatenta@unich.it

Degrees

Degrees

COMPUTATIONAL COGNITIVE SCIENCE 
Master’s Degree
2 years
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