PS948-7-SP-CO:
Numerical Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience

The details
2024/25
Psychology
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 21 March 2025
15
06 November 2023

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
PS946
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MSC C85512 Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology,
MPHDC85548 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology,
MPHDC85584 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology,
PHD C85548 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology,
PHD C85584 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology,
MSCIC999 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience,
MSCICA98 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience (Including Placement Year),
MSCICA99 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience (Including Year Abroad)

Module description

Research in cognitive neuroscience employs a diverse range of analytical tools and procedures. This module provides specialist Masters students with the training necessary to critically evaluate the analyses presented in published research.


Additionally, students will be trained to apply numerical techniques to neuroscientific data and to interpret the output of popular analysis software.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:



  • To teach students the rationale and methodology of a range of experimental approaches within cognitive neuroscience.

  • To provide conceptual knowledge about the maths that supports the analyses found within published papers across the major methods used in cognitive neuroscience.

  • To provide the skills necessary to use analysis software for fMRI and EEG analysis.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:



  1. Demonstrate understanding of the philosophical and statistical underpinning of a variety of analytical techniques.

  2. Read and critically appraise the numerical methods used in published cognitive neuroscience articles.

  3. Write reports presenting and critiquing the design and numerical methods used in cognitive neuropsychology.

  4. Interpret the output of popular advanced software tools used in fMRI research.

  5. Use commonly available software to analyse psychophysiological datasets to localise sources of EEG data.

Module information

Lectures start on the hour. Please arrive promptly to avoid disrupting the class. There will be a short break halfway through the class. Please ask questions during class if there is anything that is unclear. Additionally, a Moodle question and answer forum will be provided.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

  • One 2-hour lecture per week.
  • Two 2-hour tutorials/workshops.

During two of the lectures, students will be introduced to a variety of different cognitive neuroscience approaches to data analysis, including substantial practical time analysing real datasets.

One tutorial/workshop will improve practical analysis skills and the other will discuss the key principles of cognitive neuroscience analysis.

Bibliography

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Structured report  07/03/2025  71.4% 
Practical   EEG Test    28.6% 
Exam  Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period) 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
70% 30%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Steffan Kennett, email: skennett@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Steffan Kennett, Dr Megan Klabunde, Dr Pascal Vrticka
Email: skennett@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

Dr Alexander Jones
Middlesex University
Senior lecturer
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 116 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
116 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).

 

Further information
Psychology

Disclaimer: The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its Module Directory is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to programmes, modules, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to modules may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery or assessment of modules and other services, to discontinue modules and other services and to merge or combine modules. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications and module directory.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.