Module Directory

This module covers the main research areas and methods used in investigating the workings of the brain.

The module will provide a good background in brain structure and function both at the cellular level and the systems level. The course will consider neuroscience as it relates to behaviour by asking how mental processes such as perception, attention, movement, emotion, higher cognitive functions and sexual orientation are implemented within the brain and body.

The aims of this module are:

• To provide an overview of main research areas of neuroscience by introducing both the systems and cellular levels for understanding the nature of brain function.


• To introduce a significant body of knowledge about how the function of the brain relates to behaviour.


• To introduce the main methods in cognitive neuroscience and provide practical experience of using several of these methods.


• To demonstrate how to critical evaluate significant findings in neuroscience and introduce how to construct a project proposal in this field.

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

1. Understand how various psychophysiological and neuroscientific tools are used to link brain activity with behaviour.


2. Have a practical knowledge of those methods currently employed at Essex.


3. Understand the functional significance of numerous brain processes.


4. Be able to plan and propose new research projects in this field.


5. Be able to summarise scientific findings for a non-academic audience.


6. Have a deeper knowledge of the field relevant to future careers in Cognitive Neuroscience.

This module also seeks to familiarise students with most of the present-day methods used in Cognitive Neuroscience and to provide practical experience of some of these methodologies: EEG, ERPs, TMS, tDCS, eye-tracking, pupilometry, NIRS and other psychophysiological measures (skin conductance, heart rate, respiration rate, plethysmography etc.) and their combination.

Students will develop a deep understanding of the way cognitive neuroscience and its allied fields (e.g. biological psychology and psychophysiology) enable our understanding of how the brain and body interact to control behaviour and be able to critically evaluate the evidence.

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. A questions forum on Moodle is also provided, in order to facilitate questions that arise outside of lectures. Other extra material is also shared on Moodle in order to encourage an open mind to learning beyond the classroom and a willingness to engage in independent learning.

This module will be delivered via:

• One 2-hour lecture per week.

Each class will integrate a lecture format with opportunities for group discussion and questions. Approximately 40% of classes will include a practical session in the second hour of the class; these may need to be delivered twice depending on class size and laboratory space available.

Issues and points raised in the lecture can also be discussed in online discussion activities and student participation will be encouraged. This module will be taught by blended learning. This will combine online material and face to face sessions where appropriate. The Module will provide extra materials to support coursework.