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In this module you will learn about the most important and widely used techniques for human neuroscience research such as MRI, EEG, MEG and TMS. You will learn the underlying physical principles behind each technique, and how the recorded signals relate to brain structure and/or activity. For each technique, you will learn the inherent advantages and limitations, and which types of research question is best suited to address. You will learn how the different techniques can be used synergistically to provide a more complete picture of brain structure/function.

Learning will be delivered using a traditional lecture format, integrating didactive and interactive aspects, with the latter making use of polling technology via Mentimeter. Lectures will include taught content, worked examples, demonstrations, and short set problems for students to discuss and solve in small groups. Video content will also be used to enable students to directly visualise the practical aspects associated with each of the scanning techniques.Ìý

Aims of the module:

• To provide an overview of the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of:
  • Structural and Functional MRIÌý
  • Positron Emission Topography (PET)
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  • Magnetoencephalography (MEG), including Optical Pumped MagnetometersÌý
  • Near InfraRed Spectroscopy (NIRS)
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Direct Current Stimulation (TMS/TDCS)
  • Behavioural Studies
• To provide a critical overview of each technique to make clear which types of study they are suitable for and which they are not.
• To provide example use cases for each technique, and to show where they can be used simultaneously or in combination to provide a broader range of complementary information.

Learning outcomes:

• To demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the various experimental techniques used in human neuroscience studies.
• To demonstrate an understanding of the basic physical principles underlying each technique.
• To perform simple calculations relating to properties of the different methods (e.g. expected signal intensities in MRI, or signal-to-noise values in MEG).
• To explain the advantages and limitations of each method.