PS901-7-AU-CO:
Fundamentals of Neuroscience and Neuropsychology
PLEASE NOTE: This module is inactive. Visit the Module Directory to view modules and variants offered during the current academic year.
2023/24
Psychology
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Inactive
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
04 October 2018
Requisites for this module
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This course covers the main research areas and methods used in investigating the workings of the brain. The course 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, memory, attention, movement and emotion are implemented within the brain.
Course Aims
a) Provide an overview of main research areas of neuroscience
b) Provide a sound structural basis at both the systems and cellular level for understanding the nature of a brain function
c) Provide a significant body of knowledge about how the function of the brain relates to behaviour
d) Introduce methods in neuroscience, including lesion studies and imaging techniques
e) Critical evaluation of significant findings in neuroscience
(L1). The basic concepts of neuroscience and neuropsychology and an Introduction to Neuroanatomy (part 1).
The historical development of method and ideas in neuroscience and neuropsychology from the ancient world to the present day. Metaphors for the brain in relation to the development of other technology. Understanding neuroscience jargon. Anatomy and functional significance of the cerebral cortex.
(L2). Introduction to Neuroanatomy (part 2) and The "How to" class on Journal Clubs. Anatomy and functional significance of the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain. Journal club - Discussion and analysis of a neuropsychological journal article (including preparation for coursework 1).
(L3). Methods in Neuroscience 1 – Electroencephalography and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Introducing the EEG & TMS: What are we measuring? How do we measure it? What are the problems?
(L4). Methods in Neuroscience 2 – Magnetoencephalography, Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Near Infrared Spectroscopy. Introducing MEG, fMRI & NIRS: How does MEG differ from EEG? Understanding the BOLD signal. How else can brain blood oxygen levels be measured?
(L5). The cellular foundations of the nerve function
Different types of nerve cells and their functions: neurons and glia cells, the main components of the nerve cell, action potential, impulse conduction, myelinisation. Synaptic transmission: receptors, neurotransmitter systems, long term potentiation and inhibition. Neurogenesis.
(L6). Sensation, Perception & Multisensory Intergration. Does sensation = perception? Introducing visual, auditory and tactile perception. Multisensory perception: what can synaesthesia and illusions teach us?.
(L7). Embodied cognition.
Introducing the importance of the body (embodied) and the environment (embedded) to cognition. What clues can metaphors provide? Is it all down to mirror neurons? Will enaction theory guide our understanding?
(L8). Philosophy of Mind.
We will begin by discussing the different philosophical perspectives on the nature of mind (Dualism, Materialism, Functionalism, Idealism, Monism), with reference to some thought experiments. The second half will focus more on the more recent contribution of neuroscience to the debate, in particular the role of unconscious processing in voluntary action. We will synthesise these different philosophical and experimental perspectives in determining the function of consciousness. Finally, we will touch upon some therapeutic implications that come from an understanding of the neural basis of consciousness.
(L9). Higher Cognitive Functions.
This lecture will focus on the neuroscience of decision-making. We will focus primarily on the role of emotion in decision-making, and the neural basis of decision making in tasks such as delay discounting and risky decision-making.
(L10). Issues in neuroscience - including "blobology", ethics and the hidden power of the gut (exploring the enteric nervous system and the microbiome). Group discussions.
No information available.
No information available.
Compulsory for:
- MSc Cognitive Neuropsychology students
- MSc Cognitive Neuroscience students
- MSc Research Methods in Psychology students
Optional for:
MSc Language and the Brain
MSc Advanced Psychology
NC/JP 21/6/17
Lectures (2 hours per week)
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
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Coursework weighting |
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 Nicholas Cooper, email: ncooper@essex.ac.uk.
Nick Cooper, Elia Valentini, Marcello Costantini, Steffan Kennett, Geoff Cole
ncooper@essex.ac.uk
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No
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No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 20 (100%) hours available to students:
0 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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