PYMTCN-Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: BSc level knowledge in Biological Psychology or Neuroscience
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2017/8

Email: e.mcsorley@reading.ac.uk

Summary module description:
The purpose of this module is to inform students about the current state of knowledge and debate in cognitive neuroscience. Topics include perception, attention, memory and cognitive control.

Aims:
Within the neurosciences, cognitive neuroscience is a relatively young discipline which is characterised by rapidly changing views, incorporating an ever expanding array of methods. The purpose of this module is to inform students about the current state of knowledge and debates in cognitive neuroscience. Topics covered in this module reflect the research expertise of the School in cognitive neuroscience.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
• Describe some of the theoretical notions and neural models in the study of cognitive neuroscience, from perception to cognitive control.
• Be able to offer examples ranging from cellular to systems level neuroscience approaches to understanding human functioning
• Show an understanding of the techniques used in assessing brain function underlying a variety of processes and evaluate their effectiveness and drawbacks.
• Be able to describe and evaluate recent experimental work within subfields of cognitive neuroscience.

Additional outcomes:
It is anticipated that the training in this module will provide the requisite theoretical background to the students in taking up a career in further research (e.g. a PhD) in psychology and related disciplines.

Outline content:
Introduction to cognitive neuroscience, perception, attention, memory systems and cognitive control.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching and learning methods include a mixture of plenary lectures, group discussions, aided by audiovisual materials available online or recorded by staff members as part of their research, and/or hands-on demonstrations of techniques and tests employed in the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics.

Other information on summative assessment:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Length of examination:

Requirements for a pass:

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Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 31 March 2017