27001 - BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY I (N-Z)

courses

ID:

27001

Duration (hours):

64

CFU:

SSD:

PSICOBIOLOGIA E PSICOLOGIA FISIOLOGICA

Located in:

CHIETI

Url:

Course Details:

PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES/CORSO GENERICO Year: 1

Year:

2025

Course Catalogue:

https://unich.coursecatalogue.cineca.it/af/2025?co...

Date/time interval

Secondo Semestre (09/02/2026 - 30/05/2026)

Course Objectives

The course contributes to achieving the educational objectives of the Degree Programme by providing students with theoretical knowledge and methodological tools that are essential for understanding and analyzing the main topics of the relevant discipline. Specifically, students are expected to have acquired:

the theoretical foundations of psychological knowledge, as developed in the core areas of general psychology, developmental and social psychology, psychobiology, and psychometrics;
the ability to critically address issues related to the objects of study in psychology and to communicate their reflections effectively.

Expected learning outcomes:
1.Knowledge and understanding:
To develop a comprehensive framework for understanding cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning at both individual and group levels.
To gain a solid grounding in theoretical concepts and methodological approaches appropriate for continuing advanced studies in Master's-level psychology programs.
2.Applying knowledge and understanding:
To develop the ability to identify cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning and communicate the core elements needed for psychological diagnosis. Apply selected methods and tools commonly used by psychologists to explore individual and group functioning across developmental stages. Practice using diagnostic and intervention instruments through simulations in various settings, from schools to clinical environments.
3.Making judgements:
To develop the capacity to compare different theoretical perspectives.
To develop knowledge acquisition on scientifically rigorous standards.
4.Communication skills:
To demonstrate the ability to communicate acquired knowledge through oral presentations and written assignments on specific topics or open-ended questions.
5.Learning skills:
To develop reflective thinking and metacognitive awareness regarding learning strategies and academic content.

Course Prerequisites

Students should possess basic knowledge and skills appropriate to the course level, including prior exposure to the main themes and approaches of the biology, chemistry and physics.
Critical thinking, the ability to synthesize information, and a general confidence in reading and discussing academic materials will be beneficial for fully engaging with the course content.

Teaching Methods

The 64-hour course is delivered in person and combines different teaching approaches that align with the expected learning outcomes. The main methods include:

Classroom lectures using Power Point slides (which are made available to students), reading and discussion of scientific articles in the classroom, and watching videos in English, aimed at presenting theoretical frameworks and key concepts, and providing a structured overview of the course content;
Practical sessions using digital tools, to help students apply their knowledge and develop analytical and critical thinking skills.

Attendance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended, as active participation in the various learning activities greatly supports the achievement of the course’s intended learning outcomes.

Assessment Methods

Student learning is assessed through a written exam consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions, each with four answer options, only one of which is correct, to be completed in 35 minutes. The questions cover the entire course syllabus. The exam is graded on a 30-point scale. The final score is based on the number of correct answers. The passing threshold is set at 18 out of 30. Incorrect or unanswered questions do not result in penalties. The test is designed to distinguish different levels of competence, in alignment with the expected learning outcomes.
Students can take advantage of the possibility of taking two partial tests wihin the same exam session.
For attending students, midterm assessments (partial) will be offered during the semester, specifically in the middle and at the end of the teaching classes.
In the case of two partial tests, the first partial assessment focuses on the assessment of the contents of the first part of the course (chapters 1-7 and Appendix of chapter 7) and the second test focuses on the assessment of the contents of the second part of the course (chapters 8-12).
The assessment of learning for attending students takes place through two midterm (partial) written tests, each consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions with four answer alternatives, only one of which is correct, to be completed in 20 minutes. Any incorrect or missing answers do not entail penalties. The evaluation is expressed in fifteenths. The final score is determined based on the number of correct answers. The total result is given by the sum of the scores obtained in the two midterm assessments (15 + 15 = 30; maximum score). The passing threshold is set at 18 out of 30.
It is possible to request an oral integration if scored higher than 18/30. Correct use of the disciplinary vocabulary will be necessary to pass the exam. In this way, the exam, in addition to verifying the knowledge and understanding of the individual topics of the program, will verify the skills listed above (see Expected Learning Outcomes).

Texts

Bear MF, Connors BW, Paradiso MA. Neuroscienze. Esplorando il cervello. Masson Editore (4a edizione).
Chapters: 1-12, included the Appendix of the chapter 7. The teaching material (powerpoint slides, video and supplementary teaching material) is available on the e-learning platform of the course (https://elearning.unich.it/course/index.php?categoryid=605).

The course will cover the psychobiological bases of behavior. In the first part of the course, the current field of neuroscience investigation is introduced, tracing back on its historical background. The contents concern the structure and function of glial cells and single neurons, the physiology of the neuronal membrane, the synaptic communication, including the neurotransmitters, and the macroscopic anatomy of the nervous system. The purpose of this content is to build a solid knowledge on neurobiology. The second part of the course examines the brain systems that control sensations, such as the chemical senses (i.e., taste and smell), the visual system, the auditory system, the vestibular system, and the somatosensory system.

Course Language

Italian

More information

Office hours are held weekly, either in person or remotely via Microsoft Teams, by appointment. Students are invited to check the instructor’s institutional webpage for updated office hours and contact details.
For any questions, students can contact the instructor at: marika.berchicci@unich.it.
In addition to the standard teaching hours, students may take part in optional supplementary activities, including:

Tutoring sessions to support exam preparation and reinforce key concepts;
Optional lab sessions or practical activities, scheduled during the semester and communicated during class or via the e-learning platform;
External seminars or guest lectures on topics relevant to the course, when available.

Participation in these activities is voluntary and does not affect the final grade, but it is strongly recommended to enhance the learning experience and deepen the practical understanding of course content.