ECTS credits ECTS credits: 4.5
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Hours of tutorials: 1 Expository Class: 25 Interactive Classroom: 15 Total: 41
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary Degree Subject RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology
Areas: Psychobiology
Center Higher Technical Engineering School
Call: Second Semester
Teaching: With teaching
Enrolment: Enrollable
The subject aims to introduce students to the neural bases of cognitive-emotional processes in humans. This overarching objective is specified in three specific objectives: a) to provide an understanding of the structural and functional organization of the human brain and its evolution, b) to explain the functions of the human brain from basic motivations and perception to cognitive-emotional processing, and c) to illustrate how all these functions are integrated to solve tasks/problems in an adaptive manner.
1. Introduction to the neural bases of behavior.
2. Neural bases of visual perception.
3. Neural bases of motivational processing.
4. Neural bases of attention and memory processes.
5. Neural bases of linguistic processing.
6. Motor cognition.
7. Neural bases of emotional processing.
8. The executive brain.
Basic Bibliography:
Bear, M.F., Connors, B., & Paradiso, M. (2016). Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain, 4th Ed. Wolters Kluwer, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. [Library Ref: PS6-1943]
Carlson, N.R., & Birkett, M.A. (2018). Physiology of Behavior, 12th Ed. Pearson Education. [Library Ref: PS6-1534, also e-book]
Carretié Arangüena, L. (2021). Anatomy of the Mind: Emotion, Cognition, and Brain, 3rd Ed. Pirámide. [Library Ref: PS6-1743, also e-book]
Maestú Unturbe, F., Ríos Lago, M., & Cabestrero Alonso, R. (2008). Neuroimaging: Techniques and Cognitive Processes. Elsevier-Masson. [Library Ref: PS6-1683, also e-book]
Redolar, D. (2023). Cognitive Neuroscience. Editorial Médica Panamericana. [Available in the Library: e-book]
Additional Bibliography:
Banich, T., & Compton, R.J. (2023). Cognitive Neuroscience, 5th Ed. Cambridge University Press. [Library Ref: PS6-1756]
Breedlove, S.M., & Watson, N.V. (2022). Behavioral Neuroscience, Int 9th Ed. Oxford University Press. [Library Ref: PS6-1971]
Gage, N.M., & Baars, B. (2018). Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience: A Beginner’s Guide, 2nd Ed. Academic Press. [Library Ref: PS6-1935, also e-book]
Horvitz, J.C., & Jacobs, B.L. (2022). Principles of Behavioral Neuroscience. Cambridge University Press. [Library Ref: PS6-1602]
Mora, F., & Sanguinetti, A.M. (1994/2004). Dictionary of Neuroscience. Alianza Editorial. [Library Ref: DIC15 71]
Purves, D., et al. (2013). Principles of Cognitive Neuroscience, 2nd Ed. Sinauer Ass., Inc. [Library Ref: PS6-1701]
Ward, J. (2020). The Student's Guide to Cognitive Neuroscience, 4th Ed. Psychology Press. [Library Ref: PS8-1635]
Felten, D.L., O'Banion, M.K., & Maida, M.S. (2022). Netter’s Atlas of Neuroscience, 4th Ed. [Available in the Library: e-book]
The subject contributes to the formation for the acquisition of the following specific and transversal competencies of the degree:
- CG2 - Ability to solve problems with initiative, decision-making, autonomy, and creativity.
- CG4 - Ability to select and justify the appropriate methods and techniques to solve a specific problem, or to develop and propose new methods based on artificial intelligence.
- TR1 - Ability to communicate and transmit knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- TR3 - Ability to create new models and solutions autonomously and creatively, adapting to new situations. Initiative and entrepreneurial spirit.
These degree competencies are concretised, within the framework of the subject, in the achievement of the following learning outcomes:
- Know the structural and functional organisation of the human brain and its evolution.
- Understand the functions of the human brain from basic motivations and perception to cognitive-emotional processing.
- Understand the integration of these functions for the adaptive resolution of tasks.
LECTURES: A total of 25 classes of 1 hour each (2 per week) are scheduled. They are intended to introduce and explain the topics of the program using relevant and available support materials. Bibliography and essential reference documentation will be provided for each topic, and activities may be introduced to encourage and facilitate class attention and follow-up.
INTERACTIVE SESSIONS: A total of 10 sessions of 1.5 hours each are scheduled, with weekly frequency. They aim to provide a more practical approach to program content (solving questions or problems on scientific studies, etc.), emphasizing ethical and deontological reflection. Attendance is mandatory as specified in the evaluation section, and it will be verified by roll call. Written reports on the work developed in these sessions must be submitted through the Virtual Campus (CV) and will be part of the continuous evaluation of the subject.
STUDENT AUTONOMOUS WORK: Reading of complementary materials, preparation of reports associated with interactive sessions and class exercises, and study of content. Occasions will be indicated throughout the course when it is necessary to work on material before face-to-face sessions. Finally, it is essential to study the recommended basic bibliography for the different topics covered in the program.
INDIVIDUAL TUTORING: The teaching staff will be available for tutoring during scheduled hours (in the places and times indicated in their academic schedules) to address doubts and any questions regarding the development of the subject and its contents. Prior appointment must be requested by email to the respective professor.
SUBJECT SUPPORT THROUGH ICT: Graphic support materials and scripts used in classes, as well as essential documentation for subject study, will be available to students through the CV. This platform will also be used to provide additional study materials, submit and correct tasks and exercises, participate in discussion forums if applicable, and provide organizational notices regarding the subject. It should be regularly consulted along with the university email.
Overall, the various methodologies will contribute to the acquisition of the competencies specific to the degree, by requiring problem-solving and analysis adapted to the subject's content (CG2, CG4, TR3) and the preparation of reports derived from these activities (TR1).
The evaluation and grading of learning and acquired competencies will be carried out through continuous assessment activities (40% of the grade) and a final assessment (60%):
Continuous assessment (40%) will be based on reports corresponding to interactive sessions (practical sessions); the final assessment (60%) will consist of
an exam at the end of the semester, covering all the content of the subject taught/worked on throughout the course. The exam will cover the program content explained and worked on in classes (lectures and interactive sessions). Completing/submitting any of the tests outlined in the preceding sections implies incorporation into the assessment process, resulting in a final subject grade.
In the SECOND OPPORTUNITY for passing the subject, scheduled in June/July for students who did not pass in the first opportunity, an exam of the same characteristics as the final exam of the first opportunity will be conducted.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS:
For individuals who have been authorized for dispensation from class attendance, a single final assessment based on the final exam is provided, and they can achieve a maximum grade of 8. Depending on the conditions that warrant the dispensation, the possibility of autonomously completing a work on subject contents to achieve a maximum grade of 10 may be considered individually.
Outgoing Mobility students who, during the same semester, took and did not pass an equivalent subject at another university may take the "second chance" exam under the conditions established by article 11.6 of the Regulations on Interuniversity Student Exchanges of the University of Santiago de Compostela (Governing Council of 26/10/2012, DOG 28/11/2012). The final exam will account for up to 80% of the grade, to which the part corresponding to practices (up to 20%) may be added if they submit a report on the practices carried out in the equivalent subject, along with an evaluation of their work in them by the responsible professor at the university where they took the subject.
Incoming Mobility students will be evaluated under the same criteria and requirements as USC students.
For other conditions to which current legislation or university regulations recognize some specific right to curriculum adaptation (disability, victims of gender violence, high-level athletes, etc.), the adaptation conditions will be defined particularly, taking into account the specific situation, ranging from general conditions to those defined for dispensation cases.
The subject consists of 4.5 credits, which corresponds to an estimated total of 112.5 hours of student work, distributed as follows:
Attendance at face-to-face activities (teaching, evaluation): 41 hours.
Non-face-to-face work: 72 hours. This should be distributed in the preparation of reports (approx. 4 hours), pre-class preparation (approx. 8 hours), and reading and studying materials (approx. 60 hours).
For proper monitoring of this subject, it is recommended:
(1) Ability to read basic scientific texts in the field of Neuroscience in English.
(2) Continuous monitoring of the subject: completion of scheduled activities, reading of materials, and studying of contents.
(3) Attendance at tutorials for resolving doubts or guidance in the learning process.
Jesus Cespon Gonzalez
Coordinador/a- Department
- Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology
- Area
- Psychobiology
- jesus.cespon [at] usc.es
- Category
- Researcher: Ramón y Cajal
| Wednesday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | IA.01 |
| 12:00-13:30 | Grupo /CLIL_02 | Spanish | IA.02 |
| Friday | |||
| 11:00-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | IA.01 |
| 12:00-13:30 | Grupo /CLIL_01 | Spanish | IA.01 |
| 05.21.2025 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIL_02 | IA.01 |
| 05.21.2025 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | IA.01 |
| 05.21.2025 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIL_01 | IA.01 |
| 05.21.2025 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIL_01 | IA.11 |
| 05.21.2025 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | IA.11 |
| 05.21.2025 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIL_02 | IA.11 |
| 05.21.2025 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIL_02 | IA.12 |
| 05.21.2025 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | IA.12 |
| 05.21.2025 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIL_01 | IA.12 |
| 07.04.2025 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | IA.11 |
| 07.04.2025 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIL_01 | IA.11 |
| 07.04.2025 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIL_02 | IA.11 |