نظرة عامة على البرنامج

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Course Overview

The course aims to provide theoretical and practical knowledge about psychology of aging. It covers the main sensorial, physical, cognitive, and social changes related to aging, as well as clinical assessment and intervention programs for natural and pathological aging.

Aims and Content

Learning Outcomes

The course aims to illustrate the main diagnostic techniques used to identify cognitive disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and psychological issues such as depression. It also considers preventive, rehabilitative, and conservative intervention methods to preserve cognitive and social functions and prolong self-sufficiency.

Aims and Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Recognize the main aims and strategies adopted in the psychology of aging
• Understand the sensorial, physical, cognitive, and social changes related to natural aging
• Identify the main pathological areas related to aging
• Know and use some of the most important tools for diagnosis and treatment in psychology of aging
• Know and use some of the most known programs to support and improve the quality of life of aging people

Prerequisites

To attend the course, it is preferable to have a foundation in general psychology and psychometrics.

Teaching Methods

• Lessons will be in-person, with the teacher providing material to support individual study
• The course may include frontal lessons, team works, single case analysis, and projects
• Attendance at lectures is required, with possible exemptions considered on a case-by-case basis
• Erasmus students are expected to contact the instructor to discuss and adjust the course content accordingly

Syllabus/Content

The class will examine aging processes and their effects on principal psychological functions. It will also describe the main steps of the diagnostic process in aging psychology and the most employed diagnostic tests in geropsychology. Attention will be focused on age-related changes in cognitive functions, as well as depression and techniques/programs for preventing aging processes to prolong people's self-sufficiency period.

Recommended Reading/Bibliography

Suggested textbooks include:

• De Beni R., Borella E. (2015). Psicologia dell'invecchiamento e della longevità, Il Mulino
• Bianchi A. (2013). L'esame neuropsicologico dell'adulto. Applicazioni cliniche e forensi, Giunti O.S.
• Di Nuovo S., Vianello R. (2013). Deterioramento cognitivo: forme, diagnosi e intervento. Una prospettiva Life-Span, Franco Angeli Other books or book chapters may be indicated during the lessons.

Teachers and Exam Board

• Instructor: Giulia Cappagli
• Exam Board President: Giulia Cappagli
• Exam Board Member: David Giofre'

Lessons

Lessons Start

The course will take place in the first semester. Students are required to register on Aula web to download teaching materials and sign up for assessments.

Class Schedule

The timetable for this course is available on the Portale EasyAcademy.

Exams

Exam Description

The exam consists of two written tests, and the final mark will be calculated as the mean of the two tests:

• A written test (multiple-choice) about the theoretical aspects of the course
• A written test based on the simulation of a diagnostic process

Assessment Methods

Evaluation of knowledge of the main theories on aging, the process of diagnosis, the mode of administration, and the areas of use of some of the more widespread diagnostic tests and possible intervention programs to maintain cognitive and social functions and prolong people's self-sufficiency.

Exam Schedule

• 15/01/2026, 09:30, GENOVA, Scritto, Aule informatiche 1A1 1A2
• 29/01/2026, 09:30, GENOVA, Scritto, Aule informatiche 1A1 1A2
• 12/02/2026, 09:30, GENOVA, Scritto
• 21/05/2026, 09:30, GENOVA, Scritto
• 04/06/2026, 09:30, GENOVA, Scritto
• 18/06/2026, 09:30, GENOVA, Scritto
• 02/07/2026, 09:30, GENOVA, Scritto
• 03/09/2026, 09:30, GENOVA, Scritto

Further Information

Information for Students with Disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD): To request exam accommodations, students must follow these steps:

1. Upload certification on the University website.
2. At least 10 days before the exam date, send an email to the exam instructor, including the name of the course, exam date, full name, and student ID number, and the compensatory tools and dispensatory measures requested. The instructor will confirm whether the requested accommodations can be granted. Late requests may not allow sufficient time to implement necessary changes.