ID:
PSICOG13
Duration (hours):
60
CFU:
6
SSD:
PSICOBIOLOGIA E PSICOLOGIA FISIOLOGICA
Located in:
CHIETI
Url:
PSYCHOLOGY/NEUROSCIENZE COGNITIVE Year: 1
PSYCHOLOGY/PSICOLOGIA DELLO SVILUPPO Year: 1
Year:
2025
Course Catalogue:
Overview
Date/time interval
Primo Semestre (29/09/2025 - 20/12/2025)
Syllabus
Course Objectives
This course introduces students to the main concepts and approaches of developmental psychobiology, focusing on the neurophysiological, neuroendocrine, and epigenetic mechanisms that shape cognitive and affective development during infancy and adolescence. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between biological factors and environmental inputs, particularly brain plasticity, sensitive periods, stress regulation, and the role of early caregiving relationships. The course promotes an integrated understanding of both typical and atypical developmental trajectories.
In parallel, students will acquire basic competencies in developmental cognitive assessment, through an introduction to key standardized psychometric tools (e.g., WPPSI, WISC, WAIS, Griffiths III, Leiter-R, Raven CPM).
Expected learning outcomes:
Understand the main neurobiological, endocrine, and epigenetic processes underlying cognitive development
Grasp the interaction between biology and experience in shaping brain and mental functions
Describe major cognitive and affective functions in relation to developmental contexts
Critically analyze research and methodological approaches in developmental cognitive neuroscience
Communicate neuroscientific concepts using appropriate technical terminology
Recognize theoretical and practical foundations of neurocognitive assessment in childhood
Course Prerequisites
To successfully attend the course, students are advised to possess basic knowledge in the following areas:
Psychobiology and neuroscience: basic concepts regarding the organization of the nervous system, neural functioning, and the principles of neurotransmission.
Developmental psychology: foundational knowledge of cognitive, emotional, and social development in early childhood.
Psychological research methodology: understanding of basic principles related to experimental design, variables, observational techniques, and measurement tools.
Teaching Methods
The 60-hour course is delivered through face-to-face lectures supported by audiovisual materials and interactive discussions. The teaching approach combines theoretical explanations with critical reflection on scientific articles and case studies. A portion of the course is dedicated to the presentation of tools for assessing neurocognitive development, including guided examples.
Optional seminars or in-depth activities may be offered during the semester. All activities are aligned with the course objectives and expected learning outcomes.
Assessment Methods
Student learning will be assessed through an individual oral examination based on the course syllabus and teaching materials. The exam aims to verify critical understanding of the contents, the ability to integrate theoretical and applied knowledge, the use of appropriate scientific language, and argumentative skills.
Attending students may choose to engage in enrichment activities, either individually or in small groups, such as:
guided discussion of a scientific article;
participation in brief applied exercises (e.g., exploring psychometric tools or assessment protocols);
presentation of a self-chosen topic, to be agreed upon with the instructor.
These activities may contribute to the final grade, supplementing the oral exam and acknowledging active participation.
Assessment criteria:
Accuracy and completeness of content
Ability to establish critical connections between topics
Clarity of exposition and use of technical terminology
(if applicable) Quality of optional enrichment activities
The final grade will be expressed in thirtieths (30/30).
Texts
Required textbook:
Provenzi, L. (2021). Psicobiologia dello sviluppo. Principi, processi e contesti. [Developmental Psychobiology. Principles, processes, and contexts]. Rome: Carocci. ISBN: 9788829000303
Supplementary materials (available on the course e-learning platform):
Teaching materials
Selected scientific papers
Illustrative materials on selected cognitive assessment tools used in developmental psychology (WPPSI-IV, WISC-V, WAIS-IV, Griffiths III, Leiter-R, CPM)
Recommended readings (NOT mandatory):
de Haan, M., Dumontheil, I., & Johnson, M.H. (2023). Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience: An Introduction (5th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN: 9781119904694
Vicari, S., & Caselli, M.C. (Eds.) (2017). Neuropsicologia dell'età evolutiva. Bologna: Il Mulino. ISBN: 9788815272041
Berardi, N., & Pizzorusso, T. (2006, VI rist. 2023). Psicobiologia dello sviluppo. Una introduzione. Rome-Bari: Laterza. ISBN: 9788842078609
Contents
The course aims to examine the main neurobiological and psychological processes that guide the development of the nervous system, as well as cognitive and social functions, from the prenatal stage through adolescence. It adopts an interdisciplinary perspective that integrates developmental psychobiology, cognitive neuroscience, and experimental methods. Particular attention is given to self-organization processes, experience-dependent trajectories, mechanisms of regulation and plasticity, and the interaction between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors.
A dedicated module focuses on cognition and intelligence in childhood, providing a theoretical overview of major psychometric and neurocognitive models (g-factor, hierarchical models, triarchic theory, and multiple processes models), along with a practical introduction to the most widely used cognitive tests for children and adolescents, including WPPSI, WISC, WAIS, Griffiths III, Leiter-R, and Raven’s CPM.
Course Language
Italian
More information
The instructor is available for student meetings by appointment, either in person or online. All updated contact details (institutional e-mail, office hours, announcements) will be posted on the university e-learning platform.
Optional tutoring or enrichment activities may be offered during the semester depending on student interest.
Degrees
Degrees
PSYCHOLOGY
Master’s Degree
2 years
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