Cognitive Neuroscience

Level of Study

Master' s degree

Full-time/Part-time

Full-time

Teaching semester

Autumn

Objectives and Content

The course aims to provide in-depth knowledge of the connection between cognitive processes and the functions of the brain. The course will disseminate advanced knowledge about the structures, functions and the various functional networks in the brain, including memory, language, awareness and perception, as well as current theoretical models. In this context, students will gain in-depth knowledge of current neuroscience methods and develop skills that they can apply to new problems. The study addresses the following topics: cognitive functions such as auditory perception, language, thinking ability, executive functions and awareness, as well as current theoretical models and neuroanatomical basis, neuroanatomical localisation of functional networks, neuroscientific methods for studying the human brain in theory and practice (functional magnetic resonance imaging, brain stimulation, electroencephalography and event-related potential), disturbance of cognitive functions in psychopathology and ethical requirements for research on the human brain.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the subject, students should have the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student is able to:

• apply methodological approaches within current neuroscientific methods such as EEG/ERP, brain stimulation and fMRI,
• provide an in-depth overview of theoretical models and neural networks that are relevant to memory, executive functions, awareness, perception and language,
• show where these functions are located and how they are lateralized,
• explain how a brain injury or psychiatric illness can interfere with these functions.

Skills

The student has:

• knowledge of independent planning, implementation and analysis of simple neuroscientific experiments using relevant neuroscientific methods,
• the ability to describe and present experiments, results and conclusions in the form expected in a scientific presentation or article,
• the ability to critically analyse scientific literature in cognitive neuroscience.

General competence

The student is able to:

• reflect on research ethics aspects of research on the human brain with regard to treating subjects, conducting experiments, as well as ethical issues when publishing results,
• disseminate current aspects of cognitive neuroscience,
• apply their knowledge and skills in the context of research projects in cognitive neuroscience.

Required Previous Knowledge

Course in biological psychology corresponding to Biological psychology (5 ECTS) in PSYK114 (and PSYK120) or PSYK101 at the year study in Bergen.

Access to the Course

Registration for the subject requires the right to study for the masters degree programme of psychology. The course has a limited number of places and has teaching admission.

Teaching Methods and Extent of Organized Teaching

Lectures, seminars, laboratory exercises and demonstrations, a total of 64 hours.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

• Two project reports related to laboratory exercises.
• An assignment on a selected neurobiological subject.
• Presentation of an assignment in a seminar.

The compulsory work requirements must be approved by the teacher before the student can take the exam.

Forms of Assessment

The assessment consists of a school exam. The exam lasts for 3 hours and is completed as an essay assignment.

Grading Scale

A-F

Assessment Semester

Autumn

Reading List

The bibliography will be ready before 01.06 for the autumn semester and before 01.01 for the spring semester.

Course Evaluation

The subject is evaluated in line with the Faculty of Psychology's procedures for participating in assessments and UiB's quality assurance system.

Programme Committee

Department of Biological and Medical Psychology

Course Coordinator

Department of Biological and Medical Psychology

Course Administrator

The Faculty of Psychology