Last modified: 05 Aug 2021 13:04
The human brain is one of the most complex structures known to us. What does the brain do that makes possible the wide range of activities that humans engage in? This course will provide an in-depth introduction to the state-of-the-art developments in cognitive neuroscience that address such fundamental questions. The last two decades have led to an explosion of experimental techniques and theories that have provided substantial insights into the neural mechanisms of normal and abnormal cognitive processing in the brain. This course will be a window into that exciting field.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 3 |
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| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
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Over 12 lectures, the course will cover a range of topics in cognitive neuroscience. Six lectures will explore normal cognition, including Decision Making, Memory, Creativity, Sleep and neural plasticity. The aim will be to discuss the neural mechanisms underlying these processes at various levels of analysis from single neuron activity to large-scale network dynamics. The remaining six will similarly examine conditions where normal functioning breaks down, such as Schizophrenia, Autism and Neuro-Degenerative conditions (such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia). Both human studies and animal models will be scrutinised in exploring these topics.
There will also be 4 two-hour labs, two of which will be empirical in nature, with hands-on experience with experimental techniques in cognitive neuroscience and with the neuro-anatomy of the human brain. The other two will be student-led with discussions and presentations that will use the lectures as a spring-board. The topics selected will be of high importance in cognitive neuroscience.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 40 | Feedback Weeks | 45 | |
| Feedback |
Generic feedback by video. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 35 | |
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| Assessment Weeks | 30 | Feedback Weeks | 33 | |
| Feedback |
Traditional forms of feedback will be given, covering communication and content, backed up by a generic feedback by video for all students. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 15 | |
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| Assessment Weeks | 27,28,29 | Feedback Weeks | 28,29,30 | |
| Feedback |
Students will be given their scores. Alongside their scores they will be given recommended reading to enhance their knowledge. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Demonstrate knowledge of the human brain structure and function in relation to mental or cognitive processes |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Understand and critically evaluate theory in cognitive neuroscience, including memory, problem-solving, decision-making, and abnormal states |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Describe and critically evaluate state-of-the-art research methods and experimental designs within the field of cognitive neuroscience |
| Conceptual | Apply | Examine how neuroscientific techniques can be extended to address important questions in other fields, such as art. |
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