2025
Introduction to Neuroscience
Name: Introduction to Neuroscience
Code: DES14926L
3 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/78 hours
Scientific Area:
Human Kinetics
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, Spanish, Italian
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
Knowledge
Master the terminology linked to neurophysiological processes and SN structures anatomy and morphology.
Understand the SN organization.
Master the processes of sensory information encoding, its transmission to the CNS, its processing, and response conduction to contraction - movement.
Identify structures and systems involved in the control of movement, cognition and emotion; describe their functioning and their main interrelationships with motricity expressed in human behavior.
Skills
Interpret and explain typical and atypical motor, cognitive and emotional behavior.
Know how to search for scientific sources of knowledge online in the neurosciences field.
Design documents based on scientific evidence.
Apply measuring instruments and interpret results.
Competencies
Develop autonomy in the construction of knowledge and a critical and collaborative spirit.
Demonstrate communication competencies.
Master the terminology linked to neurophysiological processes and SN structures anatomy and morphology.
Understand the SN organization.
Master the processes of sensory information encoding, its transmission to the CNS, its processing, and response conduction to contraction - movement.
Identify structures and systems involved in the control of movement, cognition and emotion; describe their functioning and their main interrelationships with motricity expressed in human behavior.
Skills
Interpret and explain typical and atypical motor, cognitive and emotional behavior.
Know how to search for scientific sources of knowledge online in the neurosciences field.
Design documents based on scientific evidence.
Apply measuring instruments and interpret results.
Competencies
Develop autonomy in the construction of knowledge and a critical and collaborative spirit.
Demonstrate communication competencies.
Contents
1. Organizational principles and anatomical-morphological and functional organization of the nervous system (micro and macro)
2. Morphology and physiological processes of nerve cell functioning.
3. Nerve stimulation.
4. Stimuli reception, transduction, conduction, and perception. Sensory pathways.
5. Processing and transmission of information for motor performance. Motor pathways.
6. CNS particular constituents and their role in interpreting internal and environmental stimuli.
7. CNS particular constituents and their role in producing behavior.
7.1 Structuring, planning and motor control.
7.2 Structuring, planning and cognitive behavior control. Higher cortical functions.
7.3 Activation, (de)control and expression of emotion in behavior.
8. Bodily cognition
9. Assessment instruments and protocols used in neuroscience.
10. Scientific research in the neurosciences.
11. Developing science-based resources.
2. Morphology and physiological processes of nerve cell functioning.
3. Nerve stimulation.
4. Stimuli reception, transduction, conduction, and perception. Sensory pathways.
5. Processing and transmission of information for motor performance. Motor pathways.
6. CNS particular constituents and their role in interpreting internal and environmental stimuli.
7. CNS particular constituents and their role in producing behavior.
7.1 Structuring, planning and motor control.
7.2 Structuring, planning and cognitive behavior control. Higher cortical functions.
7.3 Activation, (de)control and expression of emotion in behavior.
8. Bodily cognition
9. Assessment instruments and protocols used in neuroscience.
10. Scientific research in the neurosciences.
11. Developing science-based resources.
Teaching Methods
The methodologies value T activities with reflection and discussion, favoring research and critical analysis of physical and digital teaching resources - made available to students physically or online - and scientific documents they researched. Exposure will also be used to create solid knowledge. Students will be encouraged to explore digital tools while carrying out individual and team PL activities (e.g., finding and applying assessment protocols with collection and analysis of results), enabling them to take an active role in their training.
Creating a learning plan for each student will be encouraged, preferably with weekly cycles, so that the student can also integrate organizational learning.
These teaching methodologies are structured to promote student-centered learning actively, encouraging them to learn autonomously, collaborate in the construction of knowledge and develop critical thinking.
Creating a learning plan for each student will be encouraged, preferably with weekly cycles, so that the student can also integrate organizational learning.
These teaching methodologies are structured to promote student-centered learning actively, encouraging them to learn autonomously, collaborate in the construction of knowledge and develop critical thinking.
Assessment
Formative assessment is carried out by evaluating students' active participation in exploring digital resources and in reflections and discussions. Summative assessment will include two written tests (35% + 35% =70%) and the completion and presentation of an assignment (30%).
A normal and final period assessment presupposes the completion of a written exam.
A normal and final period assessment presupposes the completion of a written exam.
Teaching Staff
Certificações
