Psychology

Through theoretical studies and practical exercises, the course conveys knowledge about the structure and function of the brain and key areas of modern cognitive neuroscience, such as attention, memory, language, cognitive control, emotions, and social interaction. The understanding of normal function is the primary focus of the course, but clinical examples are used as they provide substantial illustrations of normal functioning. The course includes relevant research methods within the area, and major emphasis is placed on the interdisciplinary nature of the subject.

The course consists of three modules. Module 1 (Introduction to Brain Function) provides basic knowledge of neuroanatomy, brain development and change, cellular function and communication, and basic brain functions, such as sensory processing, perception, motor function, and motivation. Important methods to study cognitive functions, mental processes, the activity of the brain, and functional anatomy are described. Module 2 (Higher Cognitive Functions) focuses on attention and cognitive control, memory, language, social interaction, problem solving and thinking, and decision making. This module communicates knowledge about the neurocognitive basis of emotion and how cognitive function is influenced by emotion and introduces different types of brain damage and psychoorganic syndromes. Students participate in laboratory demonstrations to train important skills for conducting empirical studies in cognitive neuroscience, including reporting the results in accordance with the international norms for publication in psychology. Module 3 (Project Work) includes a literature review but can also consist of a short empirical-oriented project.

The course discusses theoretical knowledge, research methods, and innovative techniques to study, design, and evaluate human-computer interaction (HCI). The targeted knowledge is such that makes the resulting HCI effective and efficient, and the user experience simple, pleasant, and overall satisfactory. The skills acquired pertain to the domain of HCI and cognitive ergonomics; more specifically: user-centered design; basic principles of cognitive ergonomics; user experience evaluation and products usability; visual communication and data visualization; accessibility and universal design (e.g. design for older adults); and social computing and social ergonomics.

The first part of this course is on the molecular and cellular biology of the nervous system. Focus is on the neurotransmission process, in particular the role of neurotransmitter receptors as a basis for understanding the mode of action of Central Nervous System (CNS) drugs. The second part of the course gives an overview of the major classes of a number of CNS drugs: the hypnotics and sedatives, the anxiolytics, and the drugs used to treat CNS degenerative disorders. The pharmacology of these drugs is put in the perspective of their clinical use. The final part of the course is devoted to illicit drugs, their acute and long term effects, and their potential as medicines.

This course introduces the most common psychological disorders and explores contemporary issues with regard to both diagnosis and treatment. Specifically, the course covers the diagnostic criteria and key theories of causation (including biomedical, cognitive, social, and psychological models) of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, psychosis, and personality disorders. It also reviews treatments available and their efficacy. Students explore key debates in the literature and alternatives to the medicalized model of mental health (such as the critical psychiatry perspective) and discuss them within societal contexts.

Mental disorders, e.g. schizophrenia, dementia, depression, are common across all countries and constitute about 14% of the global burden of disease. Many people with a mental disorder - and the majority of those living in low income countries - still have no access to the treatments they need. This course offers students from a range of backgrounds, e.g. social sciences, medicine, psychology, an understanding of basic principles of how mental disorders present, the impact on individuals and the advances in treatment and recovery. The course addresses general aspects of the aetiology of mental disorders, the setting within which such disorders are managed in the UK and globally, and finally brings the students in touch with people with lived experience of a mental disorder in order to elucidate aspects of stigma and health and social inequalities. 

This is a graduate level course that is part of the Laurea Magistrale program. The course is intended for advanced level students only. Enrollment is by consent of the instructor. The course focuses on the basic constructs of general psychology and the main methods in the study of human behavior. The course discusses on the basic skills necessary in analyzing cognitive and emotional processes. The course includes an experimental part linked to a laboratory that focuses on emotion and perception. Specific topics include: perception-attention, learning, memory, and emotion. Students participate actively in class discussions and carry out group work on specific topics. The course includes slides and power point presentations.

This course examines the successful self including the rational self, veridical self knowledge, the transcendent self, the socially intelligent self, the loved self, the multicultural self, and the global self. It also covers concepts and practical skills that would enable students to more effectively attain their valued goal, and feel competent and accepted.

This course examines major mental health conditions and significant social, philosophical, and historical influences on health care service delivery and reform to provide a context for contemporary rehabilitation practice. It covers the goals, values and guiding principles of psychiatric rehabilitation and practices that aim to address the culture of stigma and low expectations by society of people with mental health conditions. Rehabilitation interventions that have demonstrated efficacy in promoting recovery by reducing obstacles to participation for people with mental health conditions will also be examined. Local and international research underpinning best practice in rehabilitation management and service delivery will be reviewed and consumer perspectives and experiences explored.

This course introduces tools from cognitive sciences to study human behavior. It presents classical and more recent experimental measures used in cognitive sciences to study social and individual behavior, as well as the constraints to consider while designing such experiments. It also presents general concepts in cognitive sciences that are key for studying the psychological underpinnings of human behavior.