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Description
Content: This module introduces you to cognitive neuroscience, a field of study that tries to understand how the mind arises from the brain. You will learn about the ideas and principles of the field, how mind-brain relationships are studied, popular methods to measure aspects of the structure and function of the human brain, and the brain bases of several cognitive functions. The module is roughly divided into three parts. The first part concentrates on explaining what cognitive neuroscience is and the methods that it uses. The second and third parts explain what is currently known about how particular cognitive functions are supported by the brain. The second part covers fundamental cognitive functions (vision, memory encoding, memory retrieval, emotions and executive functions) and the third part more applied research (consumer neuroscience, ageing and autism).
Teaching delivery: This module is taught in 15 hours of in-person lectures spread over 10 teaching weeks (usually 2 hours per week in one half of term and 1 hour per week in the other half of term).
Indicative Topics: Indicative lecture topics 鈥� based on module content in 2023/24, subject to possible changes: Introduction to cognitive neuroscience, Hemodynamic neuroimaging methods, Electromagnetic neuroimaging methods, Lesion methods, How to localise and label parts of the brain, Guidance for the module鈥檚 assessment, Binocular vision, Memory encoding, Memory retrieval, The emotional brain, Executive functions and the frontal lobes, The neuroscience of goals and intentions, Consumer neuroscience, The ageing brain and The cognitive neuroscience of autism.
Module Aims: Through the module, you will develop knowledge and understanding of:
- Conceptual issues that arise when relating the mind to the brain.
- How the human brain can be studied with neuroimaging and lesion techniques.
- Designing and interpreting cognitive neuroscience studies.
- The neural bases of cognitive functions.
- How to apply knowledge from cognitive neuroscience to answer practical questions.
- How to disseminate findings and critically evaluate research.
In addition to learning about cognitive neuroscience, you will gain transferable skills via the module content and assessment.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 8th April 2024.
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