Health, Cognition & Behavior

100-level:

• Introduction to Life Science
• Introduction to Brain & Behavior

Course descriptions

100-level: Introduction to Life Science
Discover the magic behind life itself! This course guides you through the building blocks of life, from biochemistry and macromolecules to cells and organ systems. Learn how DNA works, how cells function and how it all connects to health and disease. It’s the perfect starting point for medicine, biomedical science, life science, or public health. No lab coat needed, just curiosity.

100-level: Introduction to Brain & Behavior
Why do people behave the way they do? How are mental processes and resulting behaviors affected by brain injury? How do nature and nurture shape who we are? Introduction to Brain & Behavior explores these fundamental questions through the lenses of neuroscience and psychology. This gateway course for Cognitive Science and Clinical Psychology in the Cluster Health, Cognition and Behavior, provides foundational knowledge of brain anatomy, main psychological theories, research methods and an interdisciplinary approach in understanding human behavior.

100-level:

• Functional Anatomy
• Epidemiology & Public Health

300-level:

• Mechanisms of Disease
• Pharmacology
• Infection & Immunity

Course descriptions

100-level: Functional Anatomy
Dive into the human body, learn how the body works and why it matters. Using imaging, surface anatomy, and real dissection materials, this course shows how anatomy serves function. It’s hands-on, thought-provoking, and asks: what are the ethical costs of learning from the dead?

300-level: Mechanisms of Disease
The defects in molecular and cellular processes that constitute the triggers of specific pathologies are referred to as mechanisms of disease. Research in this area is vital for designing appropriate and effective treatments. In the course you present clinical cases, discuss the underlying disease and the outcome of treatment. Representative cases from gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary, cardiac and infectious disease are discussed. You also have to invent an imaginary disease, complete with symptoms, diagnosis, mechanism and treatment.

300-level: Pharmacology
Pharmacology is the science of drugs (origin, composition, kinetics, therapeutic use and toxicity) that can affect the body. Basic principles are discussed, as different aspects of drugs and the body to illustrate pharmacological principles which are used for drug development and physiological use. Identification of potential drug targets, their interaction with drugs and its kinetics are central in the course. At the end of the course you will be able to explain effectively existing drug therapies in terms of molecular targets, cellular actions and physiological consequences.

300-level: Infection & Immunity
Infectious diseases and disorders of the immune system are a continuous threat to the life and well-being of humans. In Infection and Immunity we study the fundamental processes in immunology, such as the recognition of self and non-self, development of mature lymphocyte receptor repertoires, and the innate and adaptive immune response that is crucial for the understanding how the immune system deals with daily threats. The course will also focus on interactions between host and infectious agents, inflammatory responses, tissue damage, immunopathological processes and disease.

100-level:

• Social Psychology
• Lifespan Developmental Psychology

200-level:

• Abnormal Psychology
• Statistics & Experimental Methods in Medical & Behavioral Sciences

300-level:

• Medical & Health Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Psychodiagnostics & Psychotherapies
• Advanced Research Seminar: Statistical Synthesis of Evidence in Medical and Behavioral Sciences

Course descriptions

100-level: Social Psychology
This course covers the main theories, findings and principles of the field of Social Psychology, emphasizing its scientific approach, in the understanding of our social world, our everyday life and broader societal issues. Social psychology is the science of social influence; it is about understanding how people’s feelings, thoughts and behavior is influenced by the real or imagined presence of others.

100-level: Lifespan Developmental Psychology
How do we become unique individuals? Which factors influence this process and how do they interplay in each stage of our development during our lives? In this course we will explore these and many other questions about human development, where students will acquire knowledge and develop critical thinking and understanding of the main aspects related to human development throughout the lifespan, exploring the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes we experience from prenatal life to old age.

200-level: Abnormal Psychology​
The Abnormal Psychology course offers a deep dive into the factors shaping mental health across the lifespan. Students will develop critical thinking skills, explore the bio-psycho-social approach, and gain a comprehensive understanding of mental health and its disorders. Through key concepts, research findings, and psychological assessment techniques, this course empowers individuals to promote wellness and make a meaningful impact in both personal and professional spheres.

200-level: Statistics & Experimental Methods in Medical & Behavioral Sciences
The course is necessary for students who want to pursue master programs in psychology and adjacent disciplines, as well as research masters in the medical domain. It is highly recommended also for all those who want to be researchers, whether in data science, business analytics, market research, political science, or sociology. In addition to technical training, the course emphasizes clear academic communication through structured report writing that adheres to established guidelines. By progressing from fundamental concepts to more sophisticated analytical strategies, students are thoroughly prepared for advanced studies and research careers.
It will equip you with the skills necessary to apply advanced statistical techniques to real-world research problems. It covers topics such as linear regression, multiple regression, logistic regression, factor analysis, and analysis of (co)variance, as well as several non-parametric methods. With a focus on practical application through case studies and data analysis projects, You will be able to choose the appropriate statistical model for various research scenarios and address common challenges in data interpretation.

300-level: Medical & Health Psychology
In the course Medical and Health Psychology, we will examine the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors that influence health and illness. Using a biopsychosocial approach, we will explore key theories, research findings, and specific interventions within the field of clinical health psychology, with a particular focus on the role of psychological expertise and mental health professionals in medical settings.

300-level: Development Psychology
How do we all become unique individuals, with our own personality, different interests, goals, habits, attitudes? Which factors and how do they interplay in each stage of our development during our life? In this course we will explore these and many other questions about human development. The students will acquire knowledge and develop critical thinking and understanding of the main concepts, issues and methods related to the emotional, physical, cognitive and social development throughout the lifespan: from pregnancy to infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and older age.

300-level: Psychodiagnostics & Psychotherapies
Ever wondered what clinical psychologists actually do, and how they help people overcome mental health challenges? In this course your will learn key theories, methods, and practices in psychodiagnostics and psychotherapy. You will gain knowledge related to the psychological assessment process, with a particular focus on psychodiagnostics, its techniques and psychological tests; as well as a solid understanding of the main psychotherapeutic approaches and their specific interventions in clinical settings. Throughout the course, you will also build practical competencies, critical thinking, and essential clinical skills for a future career in mental health care.

300-level: Advanced Research Seminar: Statistical Synthesis of Evidence in Medical and Behavioral Sciences
This course guides you through combining results from multiple studies using systematic reviews and meta-analysis a method now essential in psychology, medicine, social science and other disciplines. Want to know what really works? Gain hands-on skills in research synthesis that inform evidence-based policy and practice. You’ll search literature, manage data, and present findings that matter. Learn to calculate effect sizes, synthesize results and assess bias using R.

100-level:

• Introduction to Cognitive Science
• Neurobiology

200-level:

• Statistics & Experimental Methods in Medical & Behavioral Sciences
• Perception & Action

300-level:

• Advanced Cognitive Science: Higher Order Functions
• Advanced Research Seminar: Statistical Synthesis of Evidence in Medical and Behavioral Sciences

Course descriptions

100-level: Neurobiology
How did different types of brains evolve, and how does the complexity of brains shape behavior in humans and (other) animals? You will first explore animal cognition, welfare, and the ethics around the use of animals in scientific research. You will then learn how key brain regions and biological rhythms regulate and shape behavior. This course includes interactive assignments and applied elements.

200-level: Perception & Action
This introductory course explores the neural mechanisms behind perception and action. You’ll learn how the brain processes sensory information and guides goal-directed behavior. Drawing on methods from cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology, the course provides foundational insight into brain-behavior relationships through current research and basic experimental design.

200-level: Statistics & Experimental Methods in Medical & Behavioral Sciences
The course is necessary for students who want to pursue master programs in psychology and adjacent disciplines, as well as research masters in the medical domain. It is highly recommended also for all those who want to be researchers, whether in data science, business analytics, market research, political science, or sociology. In addition to technical training, the course emphasizes clear academic communication through structured report writing that adheres to established guidelines. By progressing from fundamental concepts to more sophisticated analytical strategies, students are thoroughly prepared for advanced studies and research careers.
It will equip you with the skills necessary to apply advanced statistical techniques to real-world research problems. It covers topics such as linear regression, multiple regression, logistic regression, factor analysis, and analysis of (co)variance, as well as several non-parametric methods. With a focus on practical application through case studies and data analysis projects, You will be able to choose the appropriate statistical model for various research scenarios and address common challenges in data interpretation.

300-level: Advanced Cognitive Science: Higher Order Functions
This course deepens your understanding of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and methods from cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology. You’ll explore higher-level cognitive functions—memory, emotion, social cognition, executive functioning, and language—while engaging with current research and learning to design basic experiments.

300-level: Advanced Research Seminar: Statistical Synthesis of Evidence in Medical and Behavioral Sciences
This course guides you through combining results from multiple studies using systematic reviews and meta-analysis a method now essential in psychology, medicine, social science and other disciplines. Want to know what really works? Gain hands-on skills in research synthesis that inform evidence-based policy and practice. You’ll search literature, manage data, and present findings that matter. Learn to calculate effect sizes, synthesize results and assess bias using R.

200-level:

• Life Science Laboratory
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Human Physiology
• Biochemistry

300-level:

• Molecular Pathology & Genetics

Course descriptions

200-level: Life Science Laboratory
This course provides an introduction to the biochemical and molecular laboratory work performed in most labs today. The students will be introduced to the following themes: Blood, Protein, Bacteria (identification and hygiene), DNA, and Bioinformatics. These themes are characteristic or representative of clinical and biomedical research. Additional clinical diagnostic themes are added whenever there is an opportunity.

200-level: Molecular Cell Biology
New discoveries and advancements in scientific research are proposed every day, all around us. It can be overwhelming to keep up. This course provides the foundation for students to understand a vast array of practical applications in a multitude of life science topics (e.g. industry, medicine, agriculture, ecology, etc.). Students will take a closer look at the cellular biology of mostly eukaryotes, but also prokaryotes, gaining a comprehensive understanding of cell structure and physiology. Concepts from the SCILIFE101 course, Introduction to Life Sciences, will be revisited and students will dive deeper into the details of life processes to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. Students will also learn to examine current research topics and methods used to study the invisible world of molecular biology. Students will be encouraged to question the reproducibility of results and to propose how modernization of existing methods (and/or theoretical) technologies would improve the limitations of research and the validity of results.

200-level: Human Physiology
Human Physiology is the study of the normal functioning of the human body. This knowledge is essential for students with a medical interest and all others interested in the human body. The course is divided into several units based on structure-function relationships, energy handling, homeostasis and control systems, signalling and communication, study of individual organ systems, and the integration of their functions.

200-level: Biochemistry
Living organisms evolved from the prebiotic world through chemical reactions. Laws governing those early reactions are the same today. Chemistry is the underlying science behind biology. Biochemistry, the chemistry of life, deals with the reactions that produce the molecules of life: proteins, sugars, lipids and nucleic acids that enable the self-assembly and reproduction of simple and complex organisms. Although organisms vary enormously in complexity and biological properties, all domains of life use similar biomolecules for encoding and transmitting information, intra- and intercellular signaling, formation of membranes, building and degrading macromolecules, energy metabolism, and many more features. Errors in the production, proper localization or degradation of these molecules often lead to many diseases. Biochemical knowledge is not only essential for understanding and treating these diseases, but also necessary for advancing many applications in biotechnology.

300-level: Molecular Pathology & Genetics
This course covers a vast number of topics from general and molecular pathology and genetics of humans. The pathology portion includes the bases of pathology which is cell injury and cell death. The pathology also covers how acute and chronic inflammation, immunity, tissue repair, regeneration and fibrosis, and neoplasia contribute to pathologies. The course then shifts to understanding the molecular genetics underlying disease. The significance of chromosome structure and organization of genes will be covered along with gene mutations (and their inheritance) through several examples of genetic diseases. The course also focuses on the status of genetic testing and genetic treatments. Ethical and legal considerations for now and in the future will also be examined.