The PSYCONET International Learning Program offers a unique opportunity for university students (Bachelor's or Master's level in Pharmacy, Medicine, Biology, and Psychology), PhD candidates, and selected professionals to deepen their studies in the psychopharmacology of neuropsychiatric diseases and acquire skills in this field, with a focus on gender differences and the role of neurodevelopment.

The course, taught in English, will be delivered online from March 19th to October 1st, 2025 (for a total of 33 hours of meetings). It aims to provide students of the EDUC alliance with activities that foster the exchange of expertise within the alliance in the fields of basic and clinical sciences, including neuroscience, psychiatry, neurology, neurosurgery, neurotoxicology, as well as in the field of pharmaceutical and medical devices techniques.

The program is coordinated by Prof. Maria Antonietta De Luca from the University of Cagliari, in collaboration with Unica colleagues Nicola Simola, Giulia Costa, Nicholas Pintori, Francesca Caria, Donatella Rita Petretto, and Cristina Cabras, along with contributors from Masaryk University, the University of Pécs, the University of Rennes, Jaume I University, and Paris Nanterre University (further details are available in the attached program).

Course Objectives

The program's objectives include:

• Raising awareness of the need for research on currently untreatable neurological diseases,covering topics such as psychopharmacology, neurology, neurochemistry, and neurodegeneration;
• Analyzing the social aspects of neurological and psychiatricdiseases and promoting prevention and a healthylifestyle;
• Exploring gender differences in brain diseases and the effects of medications;
• Examining age-related vulnerability in psychiatric disorders;
• Promoting collaboration among EDUC partner institutions and supporting the continuousprofessional development of neuroscience specialists. 

Additionally, the course aims to:

• Develop a curriculum for students in Pharmacy, Medicine, Biology, PhD candidates, andprofessionals in neuroscience and neurology;
• Offer up-to-date courses on psychopharmacology, neuroanatomy, neuropsychopharmacology,and neuroscience, including studies on neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s,Alzheimer’s, and dementia, as well as experimental models for their understanding;
• Deepen the study of psychoactive substances and their impact on the brain, with a focus onmanaging non-motor symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases.

Admission Requirements

The course is open to all students regularly enrolled one of the EDUC universities, with a good command of English (minimum B1 level).

ECTS Credits

Upon successful completion of the final exam, the course and its corresponding 3 ECTS credits will be subject to evaluation by the respective degree programs. Students must submit a request according to their program’s regulations and deadlines.

Registration

Students can register for the course online until March 14, 2025, by completing the form at the following link: https://forms.microsoft.com/e/FChr57vmpP

For further information, contact the EDUC team: educ@unica.it