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78331-01 - Lecture: Cognitive and Biological Bases of Behavior (3 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Irregular |
| Lecturers | Mariapaola Barbato (mariapaola.barbato@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | This course examines the cognitive and neurological correlates of behavior. The course content highlights the physiological mechanisms underlying psychological processes, states of consciousness, and . The nervous system and the hormonal system, two of the major bodily systems whose function underlay psychological processes will be emphasized. Discussions on the normal (and abnormal) functioning of these systems, which facilitates the perception and understanding of our environment and our behavior in response to these environmental stimuli will be explored. Course Topics: • Research Methods to study Brain and Behavior • Structure and Function of the Nervous System • Neural Communication: Action Potential, Synapses, Neurotransmitters • Neurodevelopment (prenatal/postnatal) • Brain Plasticity across the Lifespan: Learning, experience-dependent change, recovery after injury, aging and neurodegeneration • Homeostasis, Biological Rhythms and Sleep • Learning and Memory: biological, cognitive and behavioral aspects • The Biology of Emotion and Stress • The Social Brain and Social Cognition • Sex and Gender Differences in Brain Diseases Across the Lifespan • Vulnerability of the Adolescent Brain: Biological Correlates of Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia |
| Learning objectives | By the end of the course, students will be able to: 1. Describe the organizaWon and basic funcWoning of the nervous system and key neural processes underlying behavior. 2. Explain how brain development, plasWcity, and adaptaWon shape cogniWon, emoWon, and behavior across the lifespan. 3. Discuss how emoWon, stress, and sleep influence brain funcWon and mental health. 4. Summarize the biological bases of learning, memory, and social cogniWon. 5. Integrate biological and psychological perspecWves to interpret brain–behavior relaWonships in psychiatric diseases. |
| Bibliography | - Pinel, J. P. J., & Barnes, S. J. (2021). Biopsychology (11th ed.). Pearson. (selected topics) - Kalat, J. W. (2024). Biological psychology (13th ed.). Cengage Learning. (selected topics) - Watson, N. V., & Breedlove, S. M. (2024). The Mind’s Machine: FoundaWons of Brain and Behavior (5th ed.). Sinauer Associates / Oxford University Press. (selected topics) - Further suggested reading including recent scienWfic arWcles will be provided during the course. |
| Admission requirements | Abgeschlossenes Propädeutikum Psychologie. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Wednesday | 12.15-13.45 | Biozentrum, Maurice E. Müller Saal U1.111 |
Dates
| Modules |
Module: Basics in Neuroscience (Bachelor's Studies: Psychology (Start of studies before 01.08.2024)) Module: Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology (Bachelor's Studies: Psychology) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Prüfung am MI 20.5.26 von 12:15-13:45 Uhr. The exam will include mulWple-choice quesWons related to the content covered in class. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | 1-6 0,5 |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Psychology, studiendekanat-psychologie@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Faculty of Psychology |