Introduction to psychobiology. Examples of psychobiological approach to the study of behaviour and neural functions. Psychobiological approach to the study of behaviour development. Neural circuit formation. Cortical development. Methods in developmental psychobiology. Genetic determinants and role of experience in neural circuit development. Critical periods in development. Long term effects of early experiences. Crossmodal plasticity.
Nicoletta Berardi and Tommaso Pizzorusso, Psicobiologia dello sviluppo, Laterza, (2006); slides provided by the teacher
Learning Objectives
To provide the basis for the understanding of the psychobiological approach to the study of behaviour and of neural functions and of their development. To provide the basis for the understanding of neural circuits development, of the role played by experience and of the existence of critical periods. To provide the basis for the understanding of behaviour development and of the role played in it by gene-environment interactions.
Prerequisites
no one
Teaching Methods
: class lectures, seminars
Further information
no one
Type of Assessment
written and oral exam
Course program
Introduction to psychobiology. Examples of psychobiological approach to the study of behaviour and neural functions: Psychobiology of memory. Psychobiology of emotions. Psychobiology of motivation. Psychobiology of maternal care. Psychobiological approach to the study of behaviour development. Neural circuit formation: neurogenesis, axon development, synaptogenesis, myelination. Programmed neural cell death in development. Cortical development. Methods in developmental psychobiology. Genetic determinants and role of experience in neural circuit development. Development of sensory systems and functions. Critical periods in development. Long term effects of early experiences. Crossmodal plasticity.