The course aims to provide foundational knowledge on how memory functions and on the main cognitive mechanisms underlying learning. It integrates psychological and neuroscientific perspectives, offering an in-depth overview of memory models and their neural correlates. Brain plasticity mechanisms will be introduced, and the factors influencing memory efficiency—such as sleep and physical activity—will be discussed.

The course will cover the following topics:
•    Basic features of different memory systems and how they function (10 hours)
Short-term memory
Working memory
Episodic memory
Semantic memory
Autobiographical memory

•    Learning (4 hours)

•    Why do we forget? The processes of forgetting (4 hours)

•    Memory across the lifespan (8 hours)
Memory from infancy to development
Memory and aging

•    Learning, memory and neuroscience (8 hours)
Brain plasticity
Neurobiological mechanisms underlying memory and learning
The role of sleep and physical activity

•    Ways to enhance memory (2 hours)
 

Knowledge and understanding:
By the end of the course, students will have acquired a solid understanding of the main theoretical and experimental models of memory and learning, as well as the underlying cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms.

Applying knowledge and understanding:
Students will be able to apply their knowledge to interpret data and evidence from psychological and neuroscientific studies on memory. They will be able to recognize the theoretical and practical implications of phenomena such as forgetting, autobiographical memory, and memory disorders.

Making judgements:
Students will develop the ability to critically analyze theoretical models of memory and learning, evaluating the empirical evidence supporting different approaches and their implications for research and psychological practice.

Communication skills:
Students will be able to clearly and effectively communicate key concepts related to memory, using appropriate scientific terminology in both academic and public dissemination contexts.

Learning skills:
The course will provide theoretical and methodological tools to foster independent learning and critical reflection on advanced topics in the study of memory, including preparation for further research or specialized training.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

In addition to the slides, which are part of the study materials, scientific articles will be provided and videos shown

Teaching

The course includes lectures, films, interactive teaching activities

Innovative teaching methods

Use of the university’s Moodle platform for uploading supplementary materials (texts, audio, or video)

Application of problem-based learning to encourage active learning through the analysis of real-world questions and problems

Attendance

Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended

Course books

1. Baddeley, A. D., Eysenck, M. W., & Anderson, M. C. (2021). La memoria (Italian ed. edited by G. Palladino). Il Mulino.

2. Levi, A. (2023). Genetica dei ricordi. Come la vita diventa memoria. Il Saggiatore.

Lecture slides are an integral part of the study material.

Scientific articles will also be provided.

Assessment

The exam consists of an oral assessment.

The evaluation criteria are as follows: 1) relevance and accuracy of the answers in relation to the course content; 2) level of detail and structure in the response; 3) appropriateness of the language used.

The final grade is expressed on a scale of thirty (with scores ranging from a minimum of 18 to a maximum of 30 cum laude).

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

The course includes lectures, films, interactive teaching activities

Course books

1. Baddeley, A. D., Eysenck, M. W., & Anderson, M. C. (2021). La memoria (Italian ed. edited by G. Palladino). Il Mulino.

2. Levi, A. (2023). Genetica dei ricordi. Come la vita diventa memoria. Il Saggiatore.

Lecture slides are an integral part of the study material.

Scientific articles will also be provided.

Assessment

The exam consists of an oral assessment.

The evaluation criteria are as follows: 1) relevance and accuracy of the answers in relation to the course content; 2) level of detail and structure in the response; 3) appropriateness of the language used.

The final grade is expressed on a scale of thirty (with scores ranging from a minimum of 18 to a maximum of 30 cum laude).

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.