Module PSYC40115: Techniques in Cognitive Neuroscience

Department: Psychology

PSYC40115: Techniques in Cognitive Neuroscience

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide students with advanced knowledge of a range of techniques used in cognitive neuroscience research
• To provide students with advanced in-depth and hands-on knowledge of a small number of research techniques used in cognitive neuroscience
• To outline to strengths, weaknesses and appropriateness of a variety of cognitive neuroscience techniques

Content

• The module uses seminars to develop an understanding of the background behind methodologies currently used in cognitive neuroscience to answer critical questions in the area.
• The seminars cover both theoretical background to the methodologies and the constraints of experimental design unique to each technique
• Techniques to be covered in seminars may include fMRI, TMS and ERP
• Students will also take part in two five hour practical workshops
• One workshop will include experience of fMRI and/or TMS
• The remaining workshop will be on a technique of the student's choosing
• Workshops are focused on hands-on experience with the technique rather than collecting data for an empirical objective

Learning Outcomes

• Acquisition of knowledge about the backgrounds to cognitive neuroscience methodologies
• Acquisition of knowledge about the particular constraints, limitations and benefits of a variety of cognitive neuroscience techniques
• In depth knowledge of particular techniques in cognitive neuroscience
• Understanding the appropriateness of particular methodologies for answering particular empirical questions

• Be able to use specialised cognitive neuroscience techniques

• Development of written communication skills
• Developing the ability to learn independently within broad guidelines

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Seminars introducing students to a variety of techniques in cognitive neuroscience
• Seminars allow student-led discussion and small group teaching which will support the development of practical skills and knowledge about the background to these methodologies
• Seminars will allow students to develop their oral communication skills and their ability to learn independently
• Students' knowledge of the methodologies will be assessed through a formative essay on a technique
• The formative essay will assess the student's written communication skills
• The workshops will each last for five hours and be under the guidance of an experienced researcher
• The workshop will assess the students' ability to learn independently
• The workshop of the students' choosing will be written up as a report critically evaluating the technique
• Students' understanding of the appropriateness of particular methodologies for particular empirical questions will be summatively assessed in a written examination

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

2000 word essay on how to use a technique described in the seminars in Michaelmas term

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University