Psychology
Cognitive Neuroscience
Module code: C8517
Level 6
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture
Assessment modes: Coursework, Essay
The module aims to provide students with an understanding of how research in cognitive neuroscience has informed our understanding of cognitive processes in the brain. Βι¶ΉΣ³» has an excellent reputation of research in cognitive neuroscience and the course is taught by an expert in the field. Evidence is drawn from a wide variety of methods. These include case studies of brain-damaged individuals (similar to those featured in 'The Man who Mistook his Wife for a Hat'), electrical recordings of 'brainwaves' (EEG), and neuroimaging using fMRI.
These methods provide unprecedented clues about the organization of cognition in the living human brain. Following a discussion of the main methods, the remaining lectures will be organised around a series of different cognitive processes such as: recognising objects and faces, space and action, memory and amnesia, brain development, the musical brain, executive control of behaviour, and understanding numbers.
Module learning outcomes
- Critically evaluate assumptions underlying the methods of cognitive neuroscience and the implications for the interpretation of data
- Systematically understand key concepts of the functional neuroanatomy of the human brain
- Extend and apply knowledge of how cognitive impairments following brain damage/dysfunction can be used to inform models of normal brain function
- Critically evaluate theories/models within cognitive neuroscience