The aim of the course is to allow students to deepen the theoretical bases of the key areas of motor learning and the interaction between cognitive processes and physical activity, underlining the relevance of psychological preparation and the constant and decisive influence of the cognitive sphere on performance, both when the aim is to improve well-being and the adoption of virtuous behaviors, and in relation to high-level sports competitions.
More specifically, the course has the following objectives:
- Knowledge and understanding:
make students acquire general basic knowledge on scientific sport psychology research and clinical applications. The aim of the course is also to develop students' ability in critical analysis and understanding in order to allow them a subsequent independent use of textbooks and more advanced scientific articles. The proposed topics are aimed to provide targeted bases for their future specific professional work domain, for a more general personal growth and to serve as a starting point for further insights into the discipline or others related to it;
- Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
provide students with a path that enables them to apply the knowledge and understanding skills acquired during the course also in future work contexts;
- Autonomy of judgment:
ensure that students develop the ability to independently find, discern and use objective information and scientific data that can help them formulate answers to clearly defined problems, both concrete and abstract, and that they develop a certain degree of autonomous reflection on social, scientific and ethical issues connected to them;
- Communication skills:
empower students to be able to communicate about discipline-related understanding, skills and activities with their peers, superiors and clients / patients;
- Learning ability:
indicate to students learning methods and strategies that support them in undertaking more advanced studies of the subject with a certain degree of autonomy.

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Movement and sport psychology is a discipline rapidly evolving in our Country, where, a bit paradoxically, it was born but where it was largely ignored for years, even if recently it is gaining a growing interest.
The course is intended to offer a survey of the main aspects of Movement and sport psychology in the context of Cognitive Sciences.
The aim is to provide students with the basic knowledge about the fundamental themes of motor learning, motivation to physical exercise both in the meaning of wellness and good practices and in that of top level performance, emotions, personality and gender differences, group dynamics, highlighting the relevance of mental preparation and the constant and indispensable intervention of the cognitive system in determining performance.

Recommended reference texts:
Spinelli D. (2002). Psicologia dello sport e del movimento umano. Zanichelli
Cei A. (2021). Fondamenti di psicologia dello sport. Il Mulino
Mandolesi L. (2017). Manuale di psicologia generale dello sport. Il Mulino

Main topics that will be dealt in the course:
•Motor learning
•Imitation and movement
•Motivational processes in sport
•Emotions and sport, anxiety, arousal
•Personality, self-efficacy
•Groups dynamics and sport
•Gender differences and sport practice
•Physical exercise and psychological wellness
•Physical activity and ageing
•Food disorders and compulsive physical exercise

Main teaching methods:
- Frontal lessons (20 hours)
Accessory methods:
- Practical examples with group discussion
- Short group experimental exercises

The slides presented in class will be available at the end of the course, as a support for exam preparation.
Any changes to the methods described here, which may be necessary to ensure the application of the security protocols related to the COVID19 emergency, will be communicated on the website of the Department.

The student assessment is made by a written exam lasting 30 minutes, in which 15 multiple choice questions are proposed (4 alternatives, only 1 correct) and 16 in "fill-in" questions, in which the missing word must be inserted in block letters. The score will be assigned as follows: correct answer +1 point, incorrect answer -0.25 points, unanswered question 0 points. The exam score is assigned by means of a grade expressed in thirtieths, the maximum score achievable is 31, corresponding to 30 cum laude.
To pass the exam, and therefore obtain a grade of no less than 18/30, students must demonstrate that they have acquired sufficient basic knowledge of the topics in the exam program and that they possess the basic terminology specific to the discipline.
To obtain a score of 30/30 cum laude, students must instead demonstrate that they have acquired excellent knowledge of all the topics covered during the course, answering all the questions correctly.
Eventual in itinere tests could be agreed.

This course explores topics closely related to one or more goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs)