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 in Continuing Education (CE) in Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology responds to the growing need of mental health professionals, caregivers of patients with neurodegenerative diseases and the general public to access rigorous and up-to-date training on the brain and its relationship with human behavior.
The program is developed within a high-level scientific and academic framework, in collaboration with internationally recognized experts renowned for both their research experience and teaching excellence. Its curriculum integrates the most relevant advances in brain research, with an emphasis on understanding risk factors and neuroprotective mechanisms.
From an interdisciplinary perspective, neuroscience is presented as a metamodel that allows us to articulate the biological bases of cognition, emotions, and behavior. In this context, the certificate addresses the convergence between cognitive neuroscience, physiological psychology, cognitive psychology, and neuropsychology, highlighting the role of neural networks in the organization and regulation of mental processes.
The central aim of neuropsychology is to understand the conditions that affect brain health, including neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injuries, as well as to assess the impact of neurological functioning on mental health and behavior.
This certificate is designed for professionals interested in deepening their understanding of both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology. Its curriculum offers rigorous training, structured according to university academic standards and supported by recognized accreditations. The program meets stringent academic quality criteria and can be completed in person or online, depending on the participant's needs.
The admissions process requires meeting the criteria established by the academic committee, as well as participating in an evaluation interview. To complete the program, participants must complete assigned readings and develop academic work that may require additional time outside of class hours.
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.
The certificate program is offered three time a year:
First semester from August to December
Summer semester
Second semester from January to May
Accreditations:
The Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience
University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus
Puerto Rico Health Boards (submitted for accreditation)
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.
Duration and credits:
6 months and 90 credits: 75 EC credits + 15 individual final project credits
12 weeks of classes and 6 weeks for the final monographic scientific review work in APA format
Methodology:
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
Modality:
Hybrid mode: 80% online (synchronous videoconferences) and 20% in person (with the option to do this 20% online if necessary)
Online module schedule
12 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
One Saturday in-person schedule
From 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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
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
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
Amnesias
Agnosia
Apraxia
Aphasias
Neuropsychology of dementias
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. His interest in neuroscience led him to complete a master of science (MSc) in Neuroscience at 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 Maimonides University in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is a professor at the School of Fine Arts and Design of Puerto Rico where he is also the program's director.
Certificate Professors
Fabián Román, MD, Ph.D.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ted Judd, Psy.D.
Seattle, Washington
Marcela Henao, MD
Medellin Colombia
Mauricio Conejo, Ph.D.
San Juan Puerto Rico
Jorge Reyes, MD
Los Angeles California
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
María Paula Perarnau, Ph.D.
San Luis, Argentina