Higher Education Certificate

Post graduate MQF-EQF Level 7


Academic Award in

Brain Networks

for Well-Being

Higher Education Programme

Qualification Level MQF-EQF: 7

ECTS: 6

Provision: Online

Total Hours : 150

Duration: 3/6 months

Language: English and Italian

Subject Areas: Health and Welfare

Accreditation Date: 01/09/2023


Understand the functions of Brain Networks and learn how to integrate them to contribute to individual, organisational and social well-being.


Upon completion of the “Award in Brain Networks for Well.Being” students acquire knowledge useful for understanding the functions of brain networks and how they, when well integrated, contribute to individual, organisational and social well-being. The knowledge associated with this award is transversal, also in terms of personal well-being and activities carried out in different work contexts. A greater awareness of the signals of dysfunction/disorganisation of one or more networks (or of their better functioning) can significantly help in personal and organisational decisions concerning work-life balance, effectiveness and job satisfaction or life, reward systems for goal achievement, management of unconscious bias, conflict resolution, personal or career coaching, neuro-enhancement..

  • Course description

    The purpose of the program is to understand how brain networks function and interconnect and what specific functions of subjective experience are mediated by each of them However, a basic understanding of neural structure (connectomics) will help students understand why the gateways to each brain network are different and why we need to use different stimuli to access, activate or inhibit each of them. Although the transducer for each type of stimulus is solely the sensorimotor system, different stimuli activate or inhibit different brain networks. Neural networks develop with the joint contribution of genes and experience from the bottom up, just as one builds the foundation of a house first and then the roof. Many of the failures in preventive health practices and wellness service design are related to the idea that one intervention model (top-down or bottom-up) is sufficient to integrate and connect all brain networks. In reality, their activation and integration is a more articulate process that, although relatively simple, needs to be understood on a large scale in order for people to be more aware of and proactive in regulating their health and well-being. Just as each ascending or descending tract of the nervous system carries different sensory or efferent stimuli, each cerebral network is activated or inhibited by stimuli that are functionally unique to it. The stimuli for accessing the different networks are therefore different: touch, light, colours, sounds, noises, smells, tastes, proprioception, posture, eye movements, vestibular movements, emotions, imagination, contemplation, memories and thoughts. Just as EMDR therapy uses eye movements (VN), or polyvagal therapy uses the sensorimotor network (SMN), or cognitive therapy uses thought (CEN - DMN - SN), so knowledge of the stimuli - always present in everyday life - that activate or inhibit, integrate or disconnect our seven brain networks can help prevent disorders and improve wellbeing. Key principles for recognising signs of criticality in the functioning of a network, together with basic concepts for integrating brain networks in the bottom-up sequence, will help in improving one's own well-being and in designing counselling and support services in this area. 

  • Course requirements

    Graduates (MQF level 6) in the humanities and economics, as well as those in health disciplines, may apply. This programme is welfare-related and therefore not specifically aimed at candidates with previous knowledge of medicine or health professionals. 

  • Target Group and audience

    This programme is welfare-related and therefore not specifically aimed at candidates with previous knowledge of medicine or health professionals. Welfare deals with the well-being and comfort of a person or group and welfare services are provided to help people's living conditions, also in organisational contexts.  The subject is therefore transversal to all those who deal with good practices (including personnel managers in companies) to help living conditions Graduates (MQF level 6) in the humanities and economics, as well as those in health disciplines, who wish to gain knowledge about how the brain is connected and how brain networks are functionally organised, in order to better understand thinking, emotion, cognition, mental health and individual and organisational performance, may therefore apply.

  • Grading System

    The final Certificate is awarded with an overall grade A (score between 90 and 100), B (score between 75 and 89) or C (score between 60 and 74) on the basis of the candidates’ performance.

  • Enrollment Periods

    Enrollment is open for each quarter.

  • Programme offered with reduced registration fee Fee

    Tuition Fee for the Program:

    • enrollment: € 100 
    • 6 ECTS credits:  € 400
    • certificate fee:   € 100

    Payment: Three instalments of € 200.


Programme

Learning Outcome


Knowledge, skills and competence


  • Knowledge

    a) learn about neural networks and their functions.


    b) know how neural networks work together in supporting the processes of adaptation and learning and in regulating human behavior.


    c) have guidelines to support the functional integration of brain networks (stimuli to activate, inhibit, integrate them in order to promote mental and cognitive well-being with a view to improving Quality of Life.


    d) understanding how knowledge about the functioning of brain networks improves the individual's perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns.


  • Skills

    use the checklists learned in the program to recognize the functional quality (connection, disconnection, integration) of brain networks


    identifying the signs of functional disconnection deriving from the checklists, with a view to correct prevention of individual well-being


    use validated tools for the assessment of well-being and quality of life (SWLS – WBS)


    apply and practice the principles of stimulation, regulation and integration of brain networks from the bottom up, according to the functional rules of neurodevelopment (spinal networks, brainstem networks, brain networks)



  • Competence

    be autonomous and responsible in suggesting, planning, collaborating in service activities to improve individual and organizational well-being using the principles of regulation of brain networks.


    At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:


    • understand the organization of the main brain networks and their specific functions in regulating our sensations, emotions, thoughts and behaviors.


    • understand the general principles to support the integration of brain networks in order to promote Quality of Life in individual, organizational and social context.



  • Learning Assessment General Procedures

    For each progressive part of the programme there is:


    A written learning review to help students focus on key aspects

    A practical exercise to put the principles into practice


    MCQs (Multiple-choice test items) are used to test recall, comprehension levels and the ability to apply learning (analysing and evaluating).


    A specific “learning questionnaire” will be used for the final assessment. 


    Passing Grade: A (score between 90 and 100), B (score between 75 and 89) 

    C (score between 60 and 74) 


    Pass Mark: 60/100


    An oral interview on a topic from the syllabus may be required of the candidate with insufficient marks, to reinforce their learning,


Brain Networks

What are brain networks?


Brain networks refer to interconnected regions of the brain that work together to perform specific functions. These networks involve both structural connections (anatomical pathways) and functional connections (patterns of activity). They play a critical role in various cognitive processes, including perception, attention, memory, language, decision-making and performance.


What are the seven brain networks?


The seven brain networks, also known as the large-scale brain networks or functional brain networks, are distinct patterns of interconnected brain regions that work together to perform various cognitive functions. These networks include the default mode network, the central executive network, the salience network, the dorsal attention network, the ventral attention network, the somatomotor network, and the visual network.


What is the default mode network responsible for?

The default mode network (DMN) is a brain network that is active when an individual is not focused on the external environment or engaged in specific tasks. It is involved in self-referential thinking, mind-wandering, daydreaming, and other forms of internally directed thought. The DMN has been implicated in various cognitive processes such as introspection, autobiographical memory, theory of mind, and social cognition.


How does the central executive network contribute to cognitive functioning?

The central executive network (CEN) is a brain network involved in higher-order cognitive functions such as working memory, cognitive control, decision-making, and attentional focus. It plays a crucial role in goal-directed behavior and cognitive flexibility. The CEN is often activated during tasks that require active processing and concentration.


What is the role of the salience network in the brain?

The salience network (SN) is responsible for detecting and filtering relevant information from both internal and external sources. It helps prioritize stimuli and allocate cognitive resources to salient stimuli or events. The SN is involved in various cognitive processes such as emotion regulation, attention reorientation, and switching between different brain networks.


How does the dorsal attention network contribute to visual attention?

The dorsal attention network (DAN) is involved in the allocation of attention to objects and locations in the visual field. It is responsible for top-down control of attention and guiding eye movements. The DAN is particularly important for spatial attention, visual search tasks, and directing attention towards relevant stimuli.


What functions are associated with the ventral attention network?

The ventral attention network (VAN) is involved in the detection of behaviorally relevant stimuli in the environment. It helps orient attention to salient sensory stimuli, particularly those that are emotionally significant. The VAN is also implicated in social cognition, detecting social cues, and processing emotional facial expressions.


What is the role of the somatomotor network in the brain?

The somatomotor network is responsible for motor planning and execution, as well as somatosensory processing. It includes regions involved in voluntary movement control and sensorimotor integration. The somatomotor network plays a vital role in coordinating motor actions and translating sensory information into motor responses.


How does the visual network contribute to visual perception?

The visual network is involved in visual perception and processing of visual information. It comprises multiple interconnected regions that process different aspects of visual stimuli, such as object recognition, motion detection, color perception, and spatial awareness. The visual network enables us to perceive and make sense of the visual world around us.


Are brain networks fixed or flexible?


Brain networks are not fixed, but rather exhibit a degree of flexibility. They can dynamically reconfigure based on task demands, environmental stimuli, and individual differences. This adaptability allows the brain to efficiently allocate resources and optimize cognitive processing.


How do brain networks contribute to mental illnesses ?


Disruptions in brain networks have been implicated in various mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. Abnormal connectivity patterns can lead to dysfunction in information processing, impaired communication between brain regions, and altered cognitive processes associated with these disorders.


How do brain networks change with age?


Brain networks undergo structural and functional changes throughout the lifespan. In general, aging is associated with decreased global connectivity but increased local connectivity. This reorganization can affect cognitive processes, leading to age-related declines in memory, attention, and executive functions. However, the extent and direction of these changes can vary among individuals.


Can brain networks be modulated?


Yes, brain networks can be modulated through interventions such as cognitive training, functional integration techniques, neurofeedback, and neuromodulation techniques. By targeting specific brain regions or network interactions, these interventions aim to enhance cognitive abilities, treat neurological disorders, and promote brain plasticity and wellbeing.


What is the role of genetic factors in brain networks?


Genetic factors play a significant role in shaping brain networks. Studies have identified genetic variations associated with structural and functional connectivity patterns, suggesting a genetic basis for individual differences in network organization. Understanding these genetic influences can provide insights into brain development, cognitive function, and disease susceptibility.


STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

 The programme is offered online in par time modality.
SEMESTERS

1

COURSES/MODULES

 1

Sub Module Semester Hours/ECTS Exams
Introduction to Connectomics and Brain Networks. I -II 30
The Seven Main Networks of the Brain and their functions I -II 30
How the seven main networks work together. Brain “sub-networks”. I -II 30
Integration of brain networks to improve individual and organizational well-being I -II 30
Supervised practice hours I -II 30
March-June
September-December
TOTAL 150/6

Online Application

NEURAL NETWORKS FOR WELL BEING

under the conditions of the reduced scholarship fee (€ 600 instead of € 900)