Syllabus Information

1.1. Introduction

This is a core course, framed in the module Fundamental Psychology, which provides a set of general and essential knowledge for specialization in any of the fields of Psychology. Students will learn the basic principles that will help them to understand how, on the one hand, our Nervous System modulates our behavior and, on the other, our Nervous System is modulated by the environment that surrounds it.

5.1. Methodological overview

The methodology followed in this course is oriented towards achievement of the learning objectives based on lectures and practice sessions.

5.2. Learning tasks

The course includes 60 ECTS organized according to: 

- Lectures (3 ECTS: 30 hours)

- Practice sessions (3 ECTS: 30 hours)

5.3. Syllabus

The course will address the following topics:

• Introduction to psychobiology
• The role of evolution, genetics and experience to understand behavior.
• Structure and functions of the cells of the Nervous System
• Psychopharmacology
• Neuroanatomy
• Development and plasticity of the Nervous System
• Spinal cord and brainstem
• Somatosensory system
• Psychobiology of the senses

5.4. Course planning and calendar

The overall planning of the course corresponds to the following student dedication:

- Total hours: 150

- Attendance hours: 56

- Non-attendance hours of autonomous work: 90

- Assessment hours: 4

Calendar of attendance sessions and presentation of works:

- Lectures: 2 hours/week

- Practice sessions in small groups: 2 hours/week

- Assessment: at the end of semester

5.5. Bibliography and recommended resources

• Pinel, John P. J.. Biopsicología / John P. J. Pinel ; Traducción y revisión técnica María José Ramos Platón ; Prólogo de Miguel Navarro García . - 6ª ed., ultima reimpr. Madrid [etc.] : Prentice Hall, 2009 *
• Carlson, Neil R.. Fisiología de la conducta / Neil R. Carlson ; traducción Gea Consultoria Editorial S.L. - 11ª ed. Madrid [etc] : Pearson-Addison Wesley, D. L. 2014 *
• Diamond, M. C.. El cerebro humano : libro de trabajo / M. C. Diamond, A. B. Scheibel y L. M. Elson. . 1ª ed., 7ª reimp. Barcelona : Ariel, 2008

*Both books include an interactive CD that can be taken separately in the Campus Library.