Neuroscienze cognitive dello sviluppo normale e patologico ed interventi di potenziamento e riabilitazione
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a solid understanding of the main theories and neurobiological mechanisms underlying cognitive development, both in normal and pathological conditions. Through the study of cognitive neuroscience, students will gain advanced knowledge of the cognitive processes involved in brain development and its pathological alterations, with particular attention to therapeutic and rehabilitative approaches. The course seeks to develop specific skills in analyzing cognitive dysfunctions in neuropsychological disorders, providing tools to design and apply interventions for enhancing and rehabilitating cognitive functions.
Expected learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired a solid understanding of cognitive neuroscience applied to normal and pathological development, with particular focus on neuropsychological dysfunctions and rehabilitative approaches. The learning outcomes include:
· In-depth knowledge of the main cognitive processes related to brain development and its alterations in pathological contexts.
· Ability to analyze and interpret cognitive disorders associated with neurological and psychiatric conditions.
· Competence in identifying, designing, and applying neuropsychological enhancement and rehabilitation interventions.
· Development of critical skills in neuropsychological assessment and the selection of targeted therapeutic approaches.
· In-depth knowledge of the main cognitive processes related to brain development and its alterations in pathological contexts.
· Ability to analyze and interpret cognitive disorders associated with neurological and psychiatric conditions.
· Competence in identifying, designing, and applying neuropsychological enhancement and rehabilitation interventions.
· Development of critical skills in neuropsychological assessment and the selection of targeted therapeutic approaches.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Course syllabus
Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience of Development:
· Fundamental principles and stages of cognitive development.
Cognitive Neuroscience of Normal Development:
· Key cognitive processes in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Cognitive and Neurological Disorders:
· Analysis of cognitive alterations in neurological (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's) and psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, mood disorders).
Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Function Recovery:
· Brain adaptation mechanisms in response to damage or injury.
Theories and Rehabilitative Approaches:
· Theoretical models of neuropsychological rehabilitation and practical interventions.
Neuropsychological Assessment Techniques:
· tools for diagnosing and assessing cognitive dysfunctions.
Cognitive Enhancement Interventions:
· Strategies for improving cognitive functions in patients with deficits.
Clinical Case Studies:
· Application of theoretical concepts to clinical cases.
· Fundamental principles and stages of cognitive development.
Cognitive Neuroscience of Normal Development:
· Key cognitive processes in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Cognitive and Neurological Disorders:
· Analysis of cognitive alterations in neurological (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's) and psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, mood disorders).
Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Function Recovery:
· Brain adaptation mechanisms in response to damage or injury.
Theories and Rehabilitative Approaches:
· Theoretical models of neuropsychological rehabilitation and practical interventions.
Neuropsychological Assessment Techniques:
· tools for diagnosing and assessing cognitive dysfunctions.
Cognitive Enhancement Interventions:
· Strategies for improving cognitive functions in patients with deficits.
Clinical Case Studies:
· Application of theoretical concepts to clinical cases.
Prerequisites for admission
None
Teaching methods
The course will combine lectures, in-class discussions, case studies, reading and analysis of scientific articles, and clinical case analysis. The teaching approach is based on continuous student engagement, with lessons aimed at developing the ability to apply theoretical concepts to clinical situations. Active learning will be promoted through the critical analysis of scientific articles, discussion of clinical cases, and study of neuropsychological assessment tools.
Teaching Resources
The bibliography for the exam will be provided by the instructor and uploaded to the MyAriel website in the course section.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The learning of the concepts and skills covered in the course will be assessed through a written and/or oral exam, at the discretion of the instructor. The content and format of the exam will be outlined by the instructor during the lessons.
M-PSI/04 - DEVELOPMENTAL AND EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY - University credits: 8
Lessons: 56 hours