ISMAT 13631

Biological Foundations of Mind and Behavior

• ApresentaçãoPresentation

  The Curricular Unit is part of the Psychological Sciences, focusing on cognitive processes, attention, memory, learning, and the neuropsychological bases of human behavior. Its scope covers the study of mechanisms underlying the acquisition and consolidation of knowledge, integrating theoretical foundations with practical applications. The field of action includes research and intervention, preparing students to understand and assess cognitive functions, as well as to apply strategies for promoting learning and human development in educational and clinical contexts. Areas of intervention include assessment, cognitive training, and the analysis of higher psychological functions. The relevance of this Unit within the study cycle lies in its essential contribution to the training of future psychologists, providing conceptual and practical tools that are fundamental for professional and scientific practice.
• ProgramaProgramme

  CP1: History of Neurosciences. CP2: Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Neurochemistry. CP3: Cellular bases of the Nervous System: neurons and glial cells. CP4: Physiology of the nervous system: the neural membrane and the action potential. CP5: Synaptic transmission; neurotransmitters. CP6: Development of the nervous system: organization and functioning. CP7: Neural plasticity. CP8: Functional neuroanatomy. CP9: Methods and techniques of research in Neurosciences. CP10: Introduction to mental and behavioral processes and their relationship with the nervous system. CP11: Brief introduction to neurological and neuropsychological disorders.
• ObjectivosObjectives

  LO1: Students will be able to describe the neurobiological processes underlying human behavior. LO2: Students will be able to identify the structures and functions of the nervous system and explain their relation to mental processes and behavior. LO3: Students will be able to distinguish the specificities and interfaces between psychology and the biological sciences. LO4: Students will be able to explain the biological foundations of the nervous system in relation to mental, emotional, and behavioral processes. LO5: Students will be able to analyze the relationship between neurological dysfunctions and psychological functions, including emotional and behavioral disorders.
• BibliografiaBibliography

  Carlson, N. R. (2019). Physiology of behavior (12.ª ed.). Pearson. Eliasmith, C. (2013). How to build a brain. A neural architecture for biological cognition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Gazzaniga, M. S., Ivry, R., & Mangun, G. R. (2018). Cognitive neuroscience: The biology of the mind (5.ª ed.). W.W. Norton & Company. Geary, D.C. (2005). The origin of mind. Evolution of brain, cognition, and general intelligence. Washington,DC. American Psychological Association. Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J. H., & Jessell, T. M. (2013). The molecular biology of memory storage: A dialogue between genes and synapses. Science, 294(5544), 1030–1038. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1067020 Kok. A. (2020). Functions of the brain. A conceptual approach to cognitive Neuroscience. London: Roulledge  
• MetodologiaMethodology

  The course employs innovative methodologies that promote active participation and critical thinking. Interactive lectures are used to present theoretical concepts, combined with case studies and problem-solving activities to foster practical application of knowledge. The use of digital platforms and simulations allows exploration of virtual laboratory experiences and modeling of neurobiological processes. Collaborative projects and group work develop communication and critical analysis skills, while discussion forums and continuous feedback support reflection on individual and collective progress. These methodologies ensure meaningful learning, integrating theory, practice, and research.
• LínguaLanguage

  Português
• TipoType

  Semestral
• ECTS

  5
• NaturezaNature

  Mandatory
• EstágioInternship

  Não