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This course is part of the Laurea Magistrale degree program and is intended for advanced level students. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. This course provides students with an advanced knowledge of cellular neurobiology and molecular mechanisms of brain functions, as well as to make students able to apply this knowledge to specific aspects of nervous system physiopathology. This course is an overview of advanced topics in neurobiology and is designed to introduce and discuss the biological models, the techniques and the research strategies employed in this research field, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying the structure and function of the nervous system. The course is divided into three general topic areas: cell biology of the nervous system, molecular mechanisms in the brain functions, and their alterations in neuropathologies. At the end of the course, the student is able to: understand and discuss properly main aspects of nervous system physiopathology; read and comprehend scientific articles; use this neurobiology background for advances experimental purposes. The course content is divided as follows:

1. Advanced Methodological Approaches in Neurobiology: From optogenetics to neuroimaging, brain atlas.
2. In Vitro and In Vivo Models in Neurobiology: From primary cultures to brain organoids, with an introduction to related ethical issues.
3. Cellular Neurobiology: Cells of the nervous system, their interactions, and communication systems. Biology and physiology of neurons. Oligodendrocytes and the myelin sheath. Astrocytes and microglia.
4. Molecular Neurobiology: Biochemical, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms underlying cognitive brain processes, such as synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory (from invertebrates to mammals).
5. Developmental Neurobiology: Molecular mechanisms underlying the origin of various CNS cell types, cell migration, axonal formation, synapse stabilization, activity-dependent CNS development, critical periods, and neural plasticity. Neural stem cells and adult neurogenesis.
6. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Brain–Environment Interaction: Gut–brain axis and circadian rhythm regulation.
7. Alterations in Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology in Neuropathologies: Neurodegenerative diseases, prion disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neuropsychiatric diseases.

This course covers various proof techniques and provides practice proving sample propositions using these techniques. Students learn basic discrete mathematics and theoretical computer science topics such as sets and functions, and practice proving propositions related to these topics. The course also covers intermediate discrete mathematics topics, including trees and graphs, and provides practice proving related propositions. Students also learn additional discrete mathematics topics (e.g., counting, probability), and apply proof techniques to prove related propositions. While there is no specific prerequisite course required, students should have basic mathematical knowledge. 

This course explores advanced principles of computer networks based on fundamentals of the topic. The topics are protocol mechanisms, principles of implementation, network algorithms, advanced network architectures, network simulation, network measurement as well as techniques of protocol specification and verification. Protocols mechanisms and techniques of protocols used in network protocols include signaling, separation of control and data channel, soft state and hard state, using of randomization, indirection, multiplexing of resources, localization of services, and network virtualization (overlays, VxLANs, peer-to-peer networks). The identification and study of principles that lead to the implementation of network protocols include system principles, reflections on efficiency, and caveats/ case studies. Network architecture examines “the big picture”. It identifies and studies principles that lead the design of network architectures. The course considers substantial questions rather than specific protocol and implementation tricks, which include internet design principles, lessons learned from the internet, architecture of telephone network, and circuit switching versus packet switching (revisited). Protocols cover network algorithms, self stabilization (examples of routing), Kelly's congestion control framework, and closed loop control on the example of TCP. Simulation, oblivious routing and routing in cryptocurrency networks includes principles of discrete event simulation, analysis of simulation results, packet versus flow models, bounding strategies (e.g., Chernoff bounds), and Gaussian distributions.

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a distinctive branch of computer science dedicated to understanding the relationship between people and computers. It provides a set of techniques that enable software engineers to develop computing applications that better respond to the needs, abilities and interests of customers, clients and end-users. This course provides theoretical grounding, practical knowledge, and hands on experience of key skills needed to design and build better interfaces for computing systems.

This course introduces macroeconomic theory and policy. It covers economic aggregates such as production and employment, the general price level and inflation, the exchange rate, interest rates, monetary and fiscal policies, the balance of payments, and economic growth. The course emphasizes the analysis of current macroeconomic problems and policy issues.

This course focuses on the design and conduct of qualitative research. It explores the epistemological foundations on which different strands of qualitative research rest, introduces students to a range of techniques for collecting qualitative data, and helps students consider methodological questions related to the conduct of qualitative research. The unit encourages critical thinking about what constitutes the field and data, as well as about issues of ethics, positionality, voice, representation, and the hermeneutic location of records and data.

This course provides an extended overview of American cultural history ranging from the period of British settlement in the 17th century to contemporary issues in US society. Students read influential texts (speeches, legal documents, essays, etc.) by authors such as John Cotton, Thomas Jefferson, Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, Martin Luther King, Betty Friedan, and Ta-Nehisi Coates. Throughout the readings, the class explores public rhetoric as a key factor shaping the cultural trajectory of the United States. After a brief introduction to basic methodologies of cultural analysis, students investigate the rhetorical, structural, and discursive features of the primary texts through close readings. The course explores select representations from the fields of visual culture, art, and film, and a selection of key terms that are essential for understanding the evolution of American public discourse and intellectual history.

This course aims to build foundational knowledge of global policy frameworks, systematically introducing core concepts, historical evolution, and key actors (states, international organizations, NGOs, etc.) of global public policy. Combining contemporary issues such as climate change, global health, and digital governance, it cultivates students' basic capabilities to analyze transnational policy challenges and governance mechanisms through real-world cases like the Montreal Protocol and COVID-19 vaccine distribution. It also covers cutting-edge topics such as technological governance and regional integration to solidify the cognitive foundation of global governance.

Political sociology includes the study of the state, political institutions, social movements, nationalism, international relations, and many other areas. Given the broadness of the subfield, no two political sociology syllabi are alike. This course studies three main topics: the state, war, and democracy.  

The course begins with classical theory of the state and an introduction to some theories of state formation. It then proceedsto classic texts on war, as well as a recent synthesis of the sociology of war. Finally, the course concludes with a study of democracy, the readings of which span the Enlightenment to the late 20th century.  

Based on these texts, the class should begin to grasp a set of conceptual and theoretical tools that can help them understand how the world works today. What is society’s relationship with the state? How did modern states come into being? Why do wars break out? Are wars rational? Are they inevitable? What is the nature of democracy? Is it a system of government with continuing relevance? Is it worth defending?  

The course explores an integrated approach to marketing communications. It examines concepts, principles, and methods of marketing promotion and communication. Specific focus is placed on developing an integrated marketing communications plan based on consumer understanding (outside-in approach) and an understanding of the brand and brand positioning. Topics include media planning, media selection, testing and evaluation, and communication and marketing strategies.