Introduction to Neurosciences

Objectives

This curricular unit aims to give an introduction to neurosciences. There are three distinct objectives: A) to know the research methodologies in neurosciences, B) to know the structures and functioning of the nervous system and its relationship with psychological processes, and C) to know the changes in the nervous system and its relationship with human behavior. In objective A, it is intended that the student 1) knows how to define neurosciences and to 2) know the methodologies of neurosciences. Objective B is intended for the student to 1) know the anatomy of the nervous system, 2) know the functioning of the nervous system, 3) know the neurotransmitters and their relationship with psychological processes, 4) know the process of development and degeneration of the nervous system, and 5) learn about the human brain in relation to mental processes. In objective C, it is intended that the student 1) learn nervous system responses, 2) learn about some disorders and 3) learn about some treatment and rehabilitation approaches.

Program

Introduction to neurons, synapses, neurotransmitters

Systemic Neuroscience, Behavioral Neuroscience and Cognitive Neuroscience

Planes and cranial nerves – Meninges and ventricular system

Neuronal communication (action potentials, activation thresholds, reuptake, glutamate, stimulants, depressants, basic principles of neuropsychopharmacology, neuronal networks)

Limbic system, Modularity, CNS, PNS, Sympathetic and Parasympathetic, Cortex, Amygdala, case studies (e.g., Ulrike Meinhof Charles Whitman)

Laboratory and experimental studies with human and animal models. Direct registration; Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fmri); lesion studies, inactivation, removal and observation of "natural" lesion

Amygdala: Fear/Anxiety and PTSD. Social compliance; basolateral and central amygdala. Its role in the acquisition and extinction of fear and fear memories.

Connections to and from the amygdala - Periaqueductal gray matter; The Insular lobe; Hippocampus; Motor cortex; Nucleus of the terminal stria bed; Locus ceruleus. Fear and aggression

Frontal Cortex – Connections; Genetic expression; Development and maturation; Von Economo neurons; Case studies (e.g., Phineas Gage)

Dopaminergic system - Mesolimbic/mesocortical dopaminergic system

Priming and behavioral triggers – External cues and interoception

Principles of neuroendocrinology – Hormones, metabolism, glands of the endocrine system

Teaching Methodologies

This curricular unit mainly is oriented towards learning concepts. Theoretical classes are predominantly expository, with room for reflective moments. The assessment will value the reflective dimension of self-training processes, contributing to it, with mandatory nature: 1) the results of two frequency tests.

Bibliography

Bear, M. F., Connors, B. W., & Paradiso, M. A. (2002). Neurociências: Desvendando o sistema nervoso. Artmed.
Brandão, M. L. (2005). As bases biológicas do comportamento: Introdução à neurociência.
Kalat, J. K (2004). Psicologia biológica (8ª ed.). Ediciones Paraninfo.
Mchenry, B., Sikorski, A. M., & Mchenry, J. (2013). A counselor's introduction to neuroscience. Routledge.
Rego, A. C., Duarte, C. B., & Oliveira, C. R. (Eds.) (2017). Neurociências. Lidel – Edições Técnicas.
Sapolsky, R. M. (2018). Comportamento: A biologia humana no nosso melhor e pior. Edição: Temas e Debates.