Overall objectives:

1 - Understand the study methods and techniques that allow the knowledge of the relationship between the brain and behavior.
2 - Acquire basic knowledge about the functioning and development of the brain.
3 - Know the nervous system from a structural and functional perspective.
4 - Obtain introductory knowledge about the neurobiological and neuroanatomical bases of the main cognitive and affective processes.
5 - Apply the acquired knowledge in the discussion and formulation of clinical cases.
6 - Analyze scientific articles in neurosciences.

Syllabus:

1 - Methods and techniques for studying the brain-behavior relationship
1.1 - Neuropsychological Assessment methods and techniques
1.2 - Functional Neuroimaging methods and techniques
1.3 - Electrophysiology methods and techniques
2 - Fundamental units of the Nervous System
2.1 - The neuron
2.1.1 - Basic structure of the neuron
2.1.2 - Types of neurons
2.1.3 - Glial cells
2.2 - Intraneuronal communication
2.2.1 - Electrical activity
2.2.2 - Resting potential
2.2.3 - Action Potential
2.3 - Interneuronal communication
2.3.1 - The synapse
2.3.2 - The neurotransmitters
2.4 - The neuroplasticity
3 - Structural and functional neuroanatomy
3.1 - Neuroanatomical terminology
3.2 - Central Nervous System
3.3 - Peripheral Nervous System
3.3.1 - Somatic Nervous System
3.3.2 - Autonomic Nervous System (Sympathetic and Parasympathetic)
4 - Neurobiological and neuroanatomical bases of cognitive and affective processes
4.1 - Sensory systems and perception
4.2 - Motor systems and action
4.3 - Attention, alertness and awareness
4.4 - Verbal and visual memory
4.5 - Oral and written language
4.6 - Executive functions, working memory and social cognition
4.7 - Theories of emotions in psychology and neurosciences
4.7.1 - Emotional influence on other brain functions
4.7.2 - Affective experience and emotion regulation
4.8 - Research in neurosciences, namely in cognitive and affective processes
5 - Clinical case studies
5.1 - Clinical history and neuropsychological assessment
5.2 - Personalized neuropsychological rehabilitation programs

Literature/Sources:

Faria, A. L., Andrade, A., Soares, L. & Bermúdez, S. B. , 2016 , Benefits of virtual reality based cognitive rehabilitation through simulated activities of daily living: a randomized controlled trial with stroke patients. , Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation,
A. Castro Caldas & M. V. Nunes , 2010 , Introdução às neurociências. , Universidade Católica Editora
M. V. Nunes & A. Castro Caldas , 2012 , Neurociências e Cognição. , Universidade Católica Editora
A. C. Rego, C. B. Duarte & C. R. Oliveira , 2017 , Neurociências. , Lidel
J. Ward , 2020 , The student's guide to cognitive neuroscience. , London: Routledge
L. Maia, R. Leite & C. Correia , 2009 , Avaliação e Intervenção Neuropsicológica: Estudos de casos e instrumentos , Lidel
A. L. Faria, M. S. Pinho & S. B. Badia , 2020 , A comparison of two personalization and adaptive cognitive rehabilitation approaches: a randomized controlled trial with chronic stroke patients , Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation
A. L. Faria, M. S. Pinho & S. B. Badia , 2018 , Capturing expert knowledge for the personalization of cognitive rehabilitation: study combining computational modeling and a participatory design strategy. , JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologies
A. L. Faria, M. S. Cameirão, J. F. Couras, J. R. Aguiar, G. M. Costa & S. B. Badia , 2018 , Combined cognitive-motor rehabilitation in virtual reality improves motor outcomes in chronic stroke?a pilot study. , Frontiers in psychology

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
The curricular unit has the typology of theoretical and practical classes, consequently lectures are complemented by practical activities allowing the operationalization of the acquired knowledge. Additionally, students can explore methods and techniques for studying brain functions (e.g. electroencephalogram) in the teacher's laboratory (NeuroRehabLab). The participation of students with open questions is encouraged. Videos and images are used to demonstrate and clarify the contents covered. Practical activities require students to analyze content and experimental data related to one or more scientific articles, and to discuss clinical case studies. The evaluation is carried out through an exam (50%) and a group work that consists of elaborating a literature review article (50%). This work will have a written component and an oral presentation.