Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 26/27.P.1.00

Description Period: 2026./27 academic year pavasara semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Psychobiology and Neuropsychology

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_427
Branch of Science
Health sciences
ECTS
9.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Agnese Ušacka
Structure Unit Manager
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts

Dzirciema Street 16, Riga, vppk@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

The aim of the course is to provide students with systematic knowledge of the construction, functioning and interaction of the nervous system and other systems of the body at different levels of the organisation, from molecular and cellular levels to brain systems and superior psychiatric functions. The course focuses on students characterizing, analyzing, and interpreting biological, neurophysiological, and neuropsychological mechanisms of psychiatric processes, behaviors, and cognitive functions, and linking these mechanisms to human psychological functioning in norm and pathology.

Preliminary Knowledge

Preferably acquired introduction to Biology/Physiology.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Describe and explain the structure and functioning of organism systems at different levels of organisation (molecular, cellular, system level), emphasising their connection to psychiatric processes.

2.Describes basic concepts of psychobiology, psychophysiology and neuropsychology, theoretical directions and their place in the context of modern psychology and neuroscience.

3.Describes the main neurophysiological mechanisms underlying psychiatric processes, including perception, attention, memory, emotion, motivation and consciousness.

4.Describe functional specialisation of major brain structures (frontal, parietal, temporal and oxypital lobes) and associated cognitive and behavioural processes.

Skills

1.Theoretical principles of psychobiology, psychophysiology and neuropsychology shall be applied to explain biological and neurophysiological mechanisms of psychiatric processes, behavioural and cognitive functions.

2.Interrelationships between the nervous system, brain structures and body systems shall be analysed by interpreting their effects on psychological functioning in the norm.

3.Interpretation of psychophysiological and neuropsychological data (e.g. cognitive test, physiological score, neuroimaging results) shall take into account the possibilities and limitations of the methods used.

4.Analyse and compare scientific studies in psychobiology, psychophysiology and neuropsychology, evaluating their methodology, results and validity of conclusions.

Competences

1.Integrate knowledge of psychobiology, psychophysiology and neuropsychology to independently analyse and structurally describe a specific psychological case or study situation.

2.Biological and neuropsychological mechanisms of psychiatric functions shall be evaluated, based on theoretical models and empirical evidence.

3.A reasoned interpretation of psychophysiological, neuropsychological or cognitive task data identifies potential limitations of alternative interpretation and methods.

4.Structure, formulate and present the content of psychobiology and neuropsychology in an academic format, respecting the logical structure of reasoning and the precision of terminology.

5.Critically evaluate scientific sources, distinguishing theoretically substantiated conclusions from insufficiently substantiated claims, and argue their assessment in writing or orally.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Analysis of publications in psychobiology
20.00% from total grade
10 points

Students select three scientific research studies on one of the topics covered in the lectures (e.g. behavioural genetics, digestive system, etc.), describe the theoretical basis, methodology, discussion and limitations of these studies. As well as analysing what is common in the selected studies and what is different. References should be formatted according to the APA style.

The use of artificial intelligence when preparing written work is only allowed as an aid to address technical and design issues, such as creating a presentation background template, choosing colour palettes, designing graphics. Artificial intelligence tools should not be used by a student to generate text, write an essay or write other papers, and take exams and tests during them. Student independent work must reflect personal understanding, critical analysis and original, student independent work and analysis.
2.

The task of interpreting psychophysiological and psychological data
25.00% from total grade
10 points

The purpose of the test is to develop students’ ability to interpret psychological and psychophysiological data by linking them to neurobiological mechanisms, as well as to critically evaluate the possibilities and limitations of methods.

Students are offered a structured set of hypothetical data that includes:

1) Psychological indicators (the results of the attention or working memory test; subjective assessment of stress, sleep or emotional self-feeling);

2) Psychophysiological parameters (heart rate (HR) and/or HRV, skin galvanic reaction (EDA), EEG/ERP indicator description).

Students create a report that includes:

1. Introduction

  • a brief description of the psychological process analyzed (e.g. stress, attention, sleep, emotion regulation);
  • indicates why the selected physiological indicators are relevant to the study of this process.

2. Methods

  • describe the proposed psychological and psychophysiological indicators
  • ; explain what each indicator theoretically represents (at a neurobiological level).

3. The interpretation of the results

  • is interpreted by data (instead of overwriting the figures);
  • link physiological changes to psychological functioning;
  • use the mechanisms acquired in the course (ANS, HPA axis, brain structures, etc.).

4. Discussion

  • least two possible interpretations offer the discussion;
  • critically evaluate the limitations of methods (e.g. subjective measurements, context effects);
  • briefly indicate what additional data would improve the conclusions.

5. Conclusions

  • structured, justified, without new information.

Evaluation criteria:

Knowledge and understanding - correct understanding of psychobiological and psychophysiological mechanisms (40%);

Quality of data interpretation: ability to link psychobiological and physiological indicators (40%);

Work structure and academic design - logic, terminology, APA style (20%)

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Multiple choice test
20.00% from total grade
10 points

Students complete multiple choice tests during practical classes.
2.

Oral exam
10.00% from total grade
Test

Students take an oral exam on topics learned during the 1st semester. Students will have exam questions published before the exam. Students chose three questions from the offered options and demonstrate their knowledge orally about the chosen questions on the exam day. Responses must be within a maximum of 15 minutes.

Each student must pass the exam in order to be transferred to the 2nd semester in the course.
3.

Final written exam
25.00% from total grade
10 points

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Nervous system - Molecular and cell level
Description

Neurons – their types, structure and underlying mechanisms; glia cells – their types and functions; synaptic transmission and neurotransmitters; neural plasticity – basic mechanisms of memory and learning.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Nervous system - Molecular and cell level
Description

Neurons – their types, structure and underlying mechanisms; glia cells – their types and functions; synaptic transmission and neurotransmitters; neural plasticity – basic mechanisms of memory and learning.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Structure and functions of the nervous system
Description

The brain – cortex, subcortical structures, brain stem – middle brain, brain bridge, oblong brain. Functional specialisation of brain regions. Structure and functions of the spinal cord; reflexes and sensors for motor integration; PNS for somatic system and autonomous system.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Sensor system and motor system
Description

Vision; hearing; balance; taste; smell; somatosensory – tactile, proprioception, nociception, temperature perception. Motor neural control: motor centres, systems, transmission, neuromuscular control; integration of sensory input and motor output.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Digestive system
Description

Anatomy - forming organs, their structure, system; physiology - functions, regulation. Neural control – the CNS structures involved, ENS, vaginal nerve, microbiota – intestinal – brain axis.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Cardiovascular system
Description

Anatomy – forming organs, their structure, system (cardiovascular, blood), physiology – functions, regulation (blood circulation, circulatory arcs). Neural control - cardiac guiding system, CNS structures involved, HRV.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Endocrine system
Description

Anatomy – formative organs, their structure, system, gender differences; physiology – function, regulation (hormonal regulation, gender differences). Neural management – neuroendocrine system, HPA axis, ANS role in reproductive system.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Immune system
Description

Anatomy – the organs involved, their structure, system; physiology – functions, regulation; neural management – the CNS centres involved, the role of the hypothalamus, the neural control of the immune response, the role of ANS.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Molecular and behavioural genetics
Description

Molecular genetics – genes, DNA build-up, chromosomes, replication, gene expression, Mendelis laws, interaction between allelic and non-allelic genes. Gene expression and regulation – transcription, translation, epigenetics, environmental impact. Behavioural genetics – concepts of heredity, genetic effects of behavioural traits, studies of twins and adoptions; effects of genes on brain development.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Molecular and behavioural genetics
Description

Molecular genetics – genes, DNA build-up, chromosomes, replication, gene expression, Mendelis laws, interaction between allelic and non-allelic genes. Gene expression and regulation – transcription, translation, epigenetics, environmental impact. Behavioural genetics – concepts of heredity, genetic effects of behavioural traits, studies of twins and adoptions; effects of genes on brain development.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Practical class – developing skills for working with scientific sources: searching for publications, types and structure of publications.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Practical class – developing skills for working with scientific sources: searching for publications, types and structure of publications.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Brain structures and their functions; nervous system organization; NS cells

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Brain structures and their functions; nervous system organization; NS cells

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Students take a tour of Medical Education Technology Centre

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Mutiskais eksāmens
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Test (Semester)
Part 2

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Functional asymmetry and lateralisation of the brain
Description

The topic looks at functional specialisation of hemispheres in the brain and the principles of lateralisation. Differences between the left and right hemispheres in cognitive, emotional and language function are analyzed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Neurobiological regulation of the sleep-wake cycle
Description

Sleep and waking regulation mechanisms in the central nervous system, sleep phases and their role in cognitive and emotional functioning are all looked at. The topic includes the biological basics of sleep disorders.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Stress physiology and adaptation mechanisms
Description

The topic focuses on the physiological mechanisms of stress, including the functioning of the autonomous nervous system and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. The effects of stress on health, behaviour and cognitive functions are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Neurobiological and psychophysiological mechanisms for pain
Description

The neurobiological basics of pain perception, mechanisms of nociception and pain modulation are all looked at. The subject includes analysis of subjective and objective pain components.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Neurobiological mechanisms of perception
Description

The topic looks at perception processes and their neurobiological foundations by analyzing the processing of sensory information in the central nervous system. The emphasis is on the integration and interpretation of perception.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Neurobiological basics of mindfulness and mechanisms of regulation
Description

Types of attention and their neurobiological mechanisms are analyzed. The topic looks at attention regulation, neural networks and the basics of attention disorders.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Memory neurobiology: types and mechanisms of memory
Description

The topic focuses on memory processes, their classification and neurobiological basics. Brain structures involved in memory formation and preservation are looked at.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Neurobiological basics of consciousness and unconsciousness
Description

Concepts of consciousness and unconsciousness from a neurobiological perspective are analyzed. The topic includes the basics of consciousness levels, alertness and impairment of consciousness.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Neurobiological basics and regulation of emotions
Description

The topic looks at the mechanisms of emotion formation and regulation, the brain structures involved, and neural networks. The relationship between emotions and behavior and cognitive processes is analyzed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Motivational neurobiology and behavioural regulation
Description

The neurobiological basics of motivation, reward systems and the behavioural impact of motivation are all looked at. The topic includes biological aspects of motivational disorders.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Brain neurodevelopment in prenatal, postnatal and adolescence
Description

The topic focuses on brain development processes at different stages of life and neuroplasticity mechanisms. Factors affecting structural and functional changes in the brain are analyzed. The topic involves associating cognitive and behavioral changes with the characteristics of brain development.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Brain and cognitive ageing
Description

The topic analyzes the brain’s structural and functional changes in the aging process. The biological basics of normal ageing are being looked at.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Vision system and occipital lobe functions
Description

The topic focuses on the neurobiology of the vision system and the functions of the occipital lobe.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Parietal lobe functions: Visual-Spatial perception and Navigation
Description

Parietal lobe functions for spatial perception, body diagram and navigation are considered.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Temporal lobe functions: memory, language, and object recognition
Description

The topic looks at the role of the temporal lobe in memory, language, and semantic processing processes.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Frontal lobe functions: executive functions, self-regulation and behavioural control
Description

Frontal lobe functions are considered in the context of executive functions, planning and behavioural regulation.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Neuroimaging methods and technologies for research into psychological functions
Description

The topic introduces the main methods of neuropresentation and their application in the study of psychological functions. The options and limitations of the methods are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Basic principles of neuropsychological research
Description

The basic principles and evaluation logic of neuropsychological research are considered.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Praktiskā nodarbība
Description

Analysis of neurobiological mechanisms of psychological processes:

In practical classes, students analyze the neurobiological basics of attention, memory, perception and consciousness based on lecture materials and scientific sources. The emphasis is on comparing different mental processes and linking their neural mechanisms to behaviour.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Praktiskā nodarbība
Description

Analysis of neurobiological mechanisms of psychological processes:

In practical classes, students analyze the neurobiological basics of attention, memory, perception and consciousness based on lecture materials and scientific sources. The emphasis is on comparing different mental processes and linking their neural mechanisms to behaviour.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Praktiskā nodarbība
Description

Analysis of neurobiological mechanisms of psychological processes:

In practical classes, students analyze the neurobiological basics of attention, memory, perception and consciousness based on lecture materials and scientific sources. The emphasis is on comparing different mental processes and linking their neural mechanisms to behaviour.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Psychophysiological regulation of stress, emotion and motivation:

topic devoted to analysis of neurobiological and psychophysiological mechanisms of stress, emotion and motivation. In practice, students work with case examples, analyze physiological indicators, and discuss the role of these processes in psychological functioning.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Psychophysiological regulation of stress, emotion and motivation:

topic devoted to analysis of neurobiological and psychophysiological mechanisms of stress, emotion and motivation. In practice, students work with case examples, analyze physiological indicators, and discuss the role of these processes in psychological functioning.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Psychophysiological regulation of stress, emotion and motivation:

topic devoted to analysis of neurobiological and psychophysiological mechanisms of stress, emotion and motivation. In practice, students work with case examples, analyze physiological indicators, and discuss the role of these processes in psychological functioning.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Brain development, plasticity and functional changes over life:

In the practice sessions, students analyze the brain’s neurodevelopmental, neuroplasticity and aging processes, as well as related cognitive and behavioral changes.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Brain development, plasticity and functional changes over life:

In the practice sessions, students analyze the brain’s neurodevelopmental, neuroplasticity and aging processes, as well as related cognitive and behavioral changes.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Functional specialisation of brain structures and neuropsychological syndromes:

The topic is dedicated to analyzing the functions of the cortical lobes of the brain (occipital, parietal, temporal and frontal) and the neuropsychological syndromes associated with their lesions. In practice, students work with structured case descriptions.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Functional specialisation of brain structures and neuropsychological syndromes:

The topic is dedicated to analyzing the functions of the cortical lobes of the brain (occipital, parietal, temporal and frontal) and the neuropsychological syndromes associated with their lesions. In practice, students work with structured case descriptions.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Methods of psychological function research and interpretation of data:

in practical classes, students acquaint themselves with psychophysiological, neuroimaging and neuropsychological research methods. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of research results, evaluation of limitations of methods and critical analysis.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Methods of psychological function research and interpretation of data:

in practical classes, students acquaint themselves with psychophysiological, neuroimaging and neuropsychological research methods. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of research results, evaluation of limitations of methods and critical analysis.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Neuropsychological evaluation:

The topic focuses on the logic of neuropsychological research and evaluation principles.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Neuropsychological evaluation:

The topic focuses on the logic of neuropsychological research and evaluation principles.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
64 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
PART-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Nervous system - Molecular and cell level
Description

Neurons – their types, structure and underlying mechanisms; glia cells – their types and functions; synaptic transmission and neurotransmitters; neural plasticity – basic mechanisms of memory and learning.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Structure and functions of the nervous system
Description

The brain – cortex, subcortical structures, brain stem – middle brain, brain bridge, oblong brain. Functional specialisation of brain regions. Structure and functions of the spinal cord; reflexes and sensors for motor integration; PNS for somatic system and autonomous system.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Sensor system and motor system
Description

Vision; hearing; balance; taste; smell; somatosensory – tactile, proprioception, nociception, temperature perception. Motor neural control: motor centres, systems, transmission, neuromuscular control; integration of sensory input and motor output.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Digestive system
Description

Anatomy - forming organs, their structure, system; physiology - functions, regulation. Neural control – the CNS structures involved, ENS, vaginal nerve, microbiota – intestinal – brain axis.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Cardiovascular system
Description

Anatomy – forming organs, their structure, system (cardiovascular, blood), physiology – functions, regulation (blood circulation, circulatory arcs). Neural control - cardiac guiding system, CNS structures involved, HRV.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Endocrine system
Description

Anatomy – formative organs, their structure, system, gender differences; physiology – function, regulation (hormonal regulation, gender differences). Neural management – neuroendocrine system, HPA axis, ANS role in reproductive system.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Immune system
Description

Anatomy – the organs involved, their structure, system; physiology – functions, regulation; neural management – the CNS centres involved, the role of the hypothalamus, the neural control of the immune response, the role of ANS.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Molecular and behavioural genetics
Description

Molecular genetics – genes, DNA build-up, chromosomes, replication, gene expression, Mendelis laws, interaction between allelic and non-allelic genes. Gene expression and regulation – transcription, translation, epigenetics, environmental impact. Behavioural genetics – concepts of heredity, genetic effects of behavioural traits, studies of twins and adoptions; effects of genes on brain development.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Practical class – developing skills for working with scientific sources: searching for publications, types and structure of publications.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Brain structures and their functions; nervous system organization; NS cells

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Students take a tour of Medical Education Technology Centre

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Mutiskais eksāmens
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Test (Semester)
Part 2

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Functional asymmetry and lateralisation of the brain
Description

The topic looks at functional specialisation of hemispheres in the brain and the principles of lateralisation. Differences between the left and right hemispheres in cognitive, emotional and language function are analyzed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Neurobiological regulation of the sleep-wake cycle
Description

Sleep and waking regulation mechanisms in the central nervous system, sleep phases and their role in cognitive and emotional functioning are all looked at. The topic includes the biological basics of sleep disorders.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Stress physiology and adaptation mechanisms
Description

The topic focuses on the physiological mechanisms of stress, including the functioning of the autonomous nervous system and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. The effects of stress on health, behaviour and cognitive functions are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Neurobiological and psychophysiological mechanisms for pain
Description

The neurobiological basics of pain perception, mechanisms of nociception and pain modulation are all looked at. The subject includes analysis of subjective and objective pain components.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Neurobiological mechanisms of perception
Description

The topic looks at perception processes and their neurobiological foundations by analyzing the processing of sensory information in the central nervous system. The emphasis is on the integration and interpretation of perception.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Neurobiological basics of mindfulness and mechanisms of regulation
Description

Types of attention and their neurobiological mechanisms are analyzed. The topic looks at attention regulation, neural networks and the basics of attention disorders.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Memory neurobiology: types and mechanisms of memory
Description

The topic focuses on memory processes, their classification and neurobiological basics. Brain structures involved in memory formation and preservation are looked at.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Neurobiological basics of consciousness and unconsciousness
Description

Concepts of consciousness and unconsciousness from a neurobiological perspective are analyzed. The topic includes the basics of consciousness levels, alertness and impairment of consciousness.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Neurobiological basics and regulation of emotions
Description

The topic looks at the mechanisms of emotion formation and regulation, the brain structures involved, and neural networks. The relationship between emotions and behavior and cognitive processes is analyzed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Motivational neurobiology and behavioural regulation
Description

The neurobiological basics of motivation, reward systems and the behavioural impact of motivation are all looked at. The topic includes biological aspects of motivational disorders.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Brain neurodevelopment in prenatal, postnatal and adolescence
Description

The topic focuses on brain development processes at different stages of life and neuroplasticity mechanisms. Factors affecting structural and functional changes in the brain are analyzed. The topic involves associating cognitive and behavioral changes with the characteristics of brain development.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Brain and cognitive ageing
Description

The topic analyzes the brain’s structural and functional changes in the aging process. The biological basics of normal ageing are being looked at.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Vision system and occipital lobe functions
Description

The topic focuses on the neurobiology of the vision system and the functions of the occipital lobe.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Parietal lobe functions: Visual-Spatial perception and Navigation
Description

Parietal lobe functions for spatial perception, body diagram and navigation are considered.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Temporal lobe functions: memory, language, and object recognition
Description

The topic looks at the role of the temporal lobe in memory, language, and semantic processing processes.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Frontal lobe functions: executive functions, self-regulation and behavioural control
Description

Frontal lobe functions are considered in the context of executive functions, planning and behavioural regulation.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Neuroimaging methods and technologies for research into psychological functions
Description

The topic introduces the main methods of neuropresentation and their application in the study of psychological functions. The options and limitations of the methods are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Basic principles of neuropsychological research
Description

The basic principles and evaluation logic of neuropsychological research are considered.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Praktiskā nodarbība
Description

Analysis of neurobiological mechanisms of psychological processes:

In practical classes, students analyze the neurobiological basics of attention, memory, perception and consciousness based on lecture materials and scientific sources. The emphasis is on comparing different mental processes and linking their neural mechanisms to behaviour.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Psychophysiological regulation of stress, emotion and motivation:

topic devoted to analysis of neurobiological and psychophysiological mechanisms of stress, emotion and motivation. In practice, students work with case examples, analyze physiological indicators, and discuss the role of these processes in psychological functioning.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Brain development, plasticity and functional changes over life:

In the practice sessions, students analyze the brain’s neurodevelopmental, neuroplasticity and aging processes, as well as related cognitive and behavioral changes.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Functional specialisation of brain structures and neuropsychological syndromes:

The topic is dedicated to analyzing the functions of the cortical lobes of the brain (occipital, parietal, temporal and frontal) and the neuropsychological syndromes associated with their lesions. In practice, students work with structured case descriptions.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Methods of psychological function research and interpretation of data:

in practical classes, students acquaint themselves with psychophysiological, neuroimaging and neuropsychological research methods. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of research results, evaluation of limitations of methods and critical analysis.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

Neuropsychological evaluation:

The topic focuses on the logic of neuropsychological research and evaluation principles.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
48 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Kalat, J. W. (2023). Biological psychology (14. ed). Cengage learning.

2.

Banich, M. T. (2023). Cognitive Neuroscience/Marie T. Banich, Rebecca J. Compton.

3.

Lundy-Ekman, L. (2023). Neuroscience: fundamentals for rehabilitation. 6th edition. St.Louis: Elsevier

4.

Drake, R. L., Vogl, W., Mitchell, A. W. M., & Gray, H. (2024). Gray’s anatomy for students (5th edition). Elsevier.

5.

Ambron, R. (2022). The Brain and Pain: Breakthroughs in Neuroscience. Columbia University Press.

6.

Kandel, E. R., Koester, J., Mack, S., & Siegelbaum, S. (Eds.). (2021). Principles of neural science (6th edition). McGraw Hill.

7.

Taylor, M. R., Simon, E. J., Dickey, J., Hogan, K. A., & Campbell, N. A. (2021). Campbell biology : concepts & connections (10th edition). Pearson.

8.

Aberberga-Augškalne, L. un Koroļova, O. (2021). Fizioloģija ārstiem. Medicīnas apgāds.

Additional Reading

1.

Reece, J. B., Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V., & Jackson, R. B. (2020). Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections (9th edition). Pearson.

2.

Bear, M. F., Connors, B. W., & Paradiso, M. A. (2020). Neuroscience: Exploring the brain (4. edition). Wolters Kluwer.

3.

Hansen, J. T., & Machado, C. A. G. (with Dragonfly Media Group). (2022). Netter’s anatomy coloring book (3rd edition.). Elsevier.

4.

Mtui, E., Gruener, G., Dockery, P ., & Fitzgerald, M. J. T. (2021). Fitzgerald’s clinical neuroanatomy and neuroscience (8th edition). Elsevier.