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PS4510: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE (2021-2022)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05


Course Overview

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.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Rama Chakravarthi

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme
  • Programme Level 4

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

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.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Report: Individual

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 35
Assessment Weeks 30 Feedback Weeks 33

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Feedback

Traditional forms of feedback will be given, covering communication and content, backed up by a generic feedback by video for all students.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Class Test

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 15
Assessment Weeks 27,28,29 Feedback Weeks 28,29,30

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Feedback

Students will be given their scores.  Alongside their scores they will be given recommended reading to enhance their knowledge.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks 40 Feedback Weeks 45

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Feedback

Generic feedback by video.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualApplyExamine how neuroscientific techniques can be extended to address important questios in other fields, such as art.
ConceptualEvaluateUnderstand and critically evaluate theory in cognitive neuroscience, including memory, problem-solving, decision-making, and abnormal states
ConceptualEvaluateDescribe and critically evaluate state-of-the-art research methods and experimental designs within the field of cognitive neuroscience
ConceptualUnderstandDemonstrate knowledge of the human brain structure and function in relation to mental or cognitive processes
ProceduralCreateProduce a professional level report on a piece of empirical research

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