PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE
Fundamentals of
Cognitive Neuroscience & Neuropsychology
Professional certificate
Cognitive neuroscience focuses on the neural substrates of mental processes and is located at the intersection between psychology and neuroscience, giving rise to neuropsychology.
​THE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE on the foundations of cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology responds to a growing need of the mental health professional, caregivers of patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases and the general public to have a better understanding of the brain and its relationship with behavior. It is offered in a scientific and academic framework in collaboration with highly recognized professionals in their respective countries who have also excelled as professors. Risk factors and neuroprotective factors are studied, starting from neuroscience as a meta model to understand the biological bases of cognition, emotions and behavior.
Cognitive neuroscience overlaps with physiological psychology, cognitive psychology, and neuropsychology. A special focus on the neural connections of the brain underlying mental processes is highlighted in the certification.
Neuropsychology's primary goal is to understand brain health, such as Alzheimer's and traumatic brain injury, and to assess how neurological functioning can affect mental health.
This certification is offered to professionals interested in delving into the theory and practice of cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology. The curriculum aims at offering a solid training within the academic structure of the university's institutional environment. It has well recognized accreditations. This professional certification meets rigorous academic standards and can be taken online or in person according to participant's needs.
Prior to admission to the certificate, you must meet the requirements established by the academic committee and go through an interview. To complete the training, readings and assignments are specified and may require additional time to complete successfully.
Professional quality certificate that offers university accreditation by the Medical Sciences Campus of the UPR and is taught by experts on the subject
MAURICIO CONEJO, Ph.D.
Modality and schedules
There are two options to take this certificate: online and in person. Both offer the same level of training and are presented as alternatives to meet the different needs of professionals.
2024:
January 2024 (online with an optional in-person module)
June 2024(online with an optional in-person module)
August 2024 (online with an optional in-person module)
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Accreditations:
The Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience
University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus
Puerto Rico Health Boards (submitted for accreditation)
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THE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE in Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology has been submitted for approval of credits by the Health Examining Boards of Puerto Rico (CR09, TO62, TO62 TO/A63, TF60 TFA61, THL58, PHL59, CP18, PSIC49). All certifications previously submitted have been approved.
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Duration and credits:
5 months and 90 credits:75 EC credits + 15 individual final project credits
10 weeks of classes and 6 weeks for the final monographic scientific review work in APA format
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Methodology:
Classes scheduled on Saturdays for the in-person module
Synchronous and asynchronous classes for online modules
The participant will be able to choose a tutor among the teachers to guide him or her and clarify doubts.
Access to digital teaching resources, the University library and extracurricular activities
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Modality:
Hybrid mode: 80% online (synchronous videoconferences) and 20% in person (with the option to do this 20% online if necessary)
Face-to-face module schedule
Saturday from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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Online module schedule
10 weeks on the virtual campus platform of the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience (https://bit.ly/icon_campusvirtual) with two weekly videoconferences from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm (AST, Puerto Rico time) plus the time necessary to complete the final scientific review monographic work in APA format (6 weeks minimum)
Documentaries, videos, essential readings, and support material on the virtual campus
Synchronous and asynchronous activities
Admission requirements
Send the following documents to neurocognicion.info@gmail.com
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Copy of driver's license or identity document
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Degree certificate or transcript of credits
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Resume / Curriculum vitae
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Motivation letter addressed to academic directors
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Two letters of recommendation with contact information (optional)
Modules
Foundations of Cognitive Neuroscience I
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Principles of functional and structural neuroanatomy
The brain, its origin and development: phylogenetics and ontogenetics
Human brain anatomy
The nervous system and its organization
Neuron structure
Electrical activity and synaptic transmission
The biochemistry of the NS
Foundations of Cognitive Neuroscience II
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Neuroembryology
Neurodevelopment
Dialogues on empirical observation (from Cage to HM)
Epigenetics and the brain
Research methods in neuroscience
Non-invasive study techniques
Development of neuroimaging technologies
Principles of Neuropsychology I
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Neuroanatomical and neurophysiological bases of neuropsychology
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Neuroplasticity
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Cognitive reserve
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Child neuropsychology
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Neuropsychology of the adult
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Neuropsychology of aging
Principles of Neuropsychology II
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Neocortical organization
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The senses: from sensory receptors to cortical integration
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Sensation and perception disorders
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Motor systems and their organization
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Motor system disorders
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Study of psychopathology in neuropsychology
Superior functions
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Neuropsychology of attention
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The importance of memory, taxonomy and explanatory models
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Neurobiology of language
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Decision making: from the practical to the moral
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Planning, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility
Neuropsychological disorders I
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ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
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Cognitive and perceptual deficits
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The neuropsychology of addictions
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Eating disorders
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Learning disorders
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Neuropsychological profile in depression
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Neuropsychological profile in anxiety
Neuropsychological disorders II
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Amnesias
Agnosia
Apraxia
Aphasias
Neuropsychology of dementias
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Characterization of MCI and its subtypes
From the concept of dementia to major neurocognitive disorder (DSM 5)
Alzheimer disease
Vascular dementia
Lewy body dementia
Frontotemporal dementia
Dementia due to Parkinson's disease
Final assignment​​
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Final monographic work
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APA format
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Scientific bibliography
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Bibliographic review
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Critical analysis
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Conclusion
Academic Directors
He studied a master's degree (MA) in Design of the University from Northumbria in England. Your interest in neuroscience led him to complete a master of science (MSc) in Neuroscience of Pablo de Olavide University in Sevilla Spain. He worked in the laboratory of Dr. Thomas Schikorski of the Central University of the Caribbean (UCC) and completed his doctorate (Ph.D.) in Cognitive Neuroscience from the Maimonides University in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is a professor at the School of Plastic Arts and Design of Puerto Rico.
He is a medical doctor with psychiatry training and holds a doctorate (Ph.D.) in psychology with a focus on applied cognitive neuroscience. He is a researcher, teacher and trainer of diverse professionals through different institutions, universities and scientific societies. He was director of the Medical School at Maimonides University. He is a member of the neuroscience group of the Buenos Aires Health Ministry. He has worked with various Universities in cognitive neuroscience training programs in different parts of the world.
Certificate Professors
Fabián Román, MD, Ph.D.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Ted Judd, Psy.D.
Seattle, Washington
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Marcela Henao, MD
Medellin Colombia
Mauricio Conejo, Ph.D.
San Juan Puerto Rico
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Jorge Reyes, MD
Los Angeles California
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Rafa Guerra, Ph.D.
Barcelona, Spain
Juan Alvarez, MD
Los Angeles California
Beatriz Luna, Ph.D ..
Pittsburgh, Pensylvannia
Gerica Alvarado, MD
Providence, Rhode Island
Collaborating professors
Esther Alberca, Ph.D.
Sevilla Spain
Monica Triviño, Ph.D
Granada, Spain
MarÃa Paula Perarnau, Ph.D.
San Luis, Argentina