PS948-7-SP-CO:
Numerical Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
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)
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)
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.
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.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the philosophical and statistical underpinning of a variety of analytical techniques.
- Read and critically appraise the numerical methods used in published cognitive neuroscience articles.
- Write reports presenting and critiquing the design and numerical methods used in cognitive neuropsychology.
- Interpret the output of popular advanced software tools used in fMRI research.
- Use commonly available software to analyse psychophysiological datasets to localise sources of EEG data.
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.
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.
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
Reassessment
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
No
No
No
Dr Alexander Jones
Middlesex University
Senior lecturer
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).
Psychology
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