Cognitive Neuroscience

ECTS Credits

10 ECTS

Level of Study

Master

Full-time/Part-time

Full-time

Teaching semester

Autumn

Objectives and Content

The course will give in-depth knowledge of relationships between cognitive processes and brain functions. The course will give advanced knowledge of structures, functions and various functional networks in the brain, including memory, language, attention and perception, as well as current theoretical models. In this context students receive knowledge of current neuroscientific. The course takes up the following topics: cognitive functions like auditory perception, speech, memory, executive functions and attention as well as current theoretical models and neuroanatomic correlates; neuroanatomic localization of functional networks; neuroscientific methods to research human brain (functional magnetic resonance tomography, brain stimulation, electroencephalography and event-related potentials), disturbance of cognitive functions in psychopathology, ethical issues in research of human brain.

Learning Outcomes

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

Knowledge

The student knows:

• The methodological approaches in current neuroscientific methods like EEG/ERP, brain stimulation and fMRI

• In-depth overview of theoretical models and neural networks which are relevant for memory, executive functions, attention, perception and speech

• Where these functions are localized and how they are lateralized

• How a brain injury or psychatric illness can disturb these functions

Skills

The student can:

• Discuss and present experiments, results and conclusions in a form which is expected in a scientific presentation or article

• Critically analyze scientific literature in cognitive neuroscience

General competence

The student is able to

• Reflect over research ethics related to research on the human brain with regards to handling of research participants, conducting of experiments and ethical conditions in publishing of results

• Communicate current issues in cognitive neuroscience

• Use their skills and knowledge in a context of a research project in cognitive neuroscience

Required Previous Knowledge

Course in biological psychology corresponding to PSYK114 Biological Psychology (5 ECTS) at the University of Bergen.

Access to the Course

Open to students of the Master's Programme in Psychology at the University of Bergen. Also open to exchange students at the master's level as well as to students with a BA in psychology.

Due to the restricted number of spaces available, admission to the course is limited.

Teaching Methods and Extent of Organized Teaching

Lectures, seminars, lab practice and demonstrations.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

• Hand in of one reflection essay based on the lab exercises (EEG & fMRI).
• An essay on a neurobiological topic
• Attendance of and presentation of essay at a seminar

All compulsory assignments must be approved before examination.

Forms of Assessment

Evaluation consists of a digital written exam. Exam lasts 3 hours.

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.

Assessment Semester

Autumn

Reading List

Reading list for the upcoming semester is published December 1st for the spring semester and June 1st for the autumn semester.

Course Evaluation

The course will be evaluated in accordance with UiB's quality assurance system and the routines for participatory evaluation at the Faculty of Psychology.

Programme Committee

Department of Biological and Medical Psychology

Course Coordinator

Department of Biological and Medical Psychology

Course Administrator

The Faculty of Psychology

Department

Department for Biological and Medical Psychology