PS929-7-AU-CO:
Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
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
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
The aim of this course is for the student to become familiar with most of the present-day methods used in Cognitive Neuroscience, e.g. fMRI, PET, MEG, EEG, ERPs, TMS, tDCS, eye-tracking, NIRS, psychophysiological measures and to provide practical experience of some of these methodologies, e.g. EEG, ERPs, TMS, tDCS, eye-tracking, NIRS and their combination.
Objectives
At the end of this course students will be able to:
Understand the main methods employed in the area
Have a practical knowledge of those methods currently employed at Essex
Have a deeper knowledge of the field relevant to future careers in Cognitive Neuroscience
No information available.
No information available.
Department of Psychology online course materials in ORB
TF/JP 17/8/17
Lecture 1: Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience Methods
This lecture will begin by introducing the rise of Cognitive Neuroscience over the past two decades, exploring also its roots in psychophysiology. The introduction of the new technologies that facilitates this rise will be explained and the methods themselves will be introduced. In order to help students with coursework preparation (oral presentation) a 'journal club' - style presentation and question and answer session will be held.
Lecture 2: Brain Imaging and Mapping
In this lecture, students will be introduced to two of the main methods for imaging brain functions, namely PET and fMRI. The underlying neuroscience will be explained and examples will be shown. In addition, an appraisal of some of the assumptions and problems associated with fMRI will be given.
Lecture 3: The Dynamics of Eye-Tracking
Students will be familiarised with the techniques and applications of eye-tracking in cognitive neuroscience. A hands-on, practical demonstration of eye-movement measures will occur.
Lecture 4: EEG: Event-Related Potentials and Cortical oscillations
This lecture will give a brief history of the EEG and describe the basic principles involved. The advantages of this method, in terms of the temporal scale will be emphasised and event-related potentials (ERPs) and cortical oscillations in perception and cognition will be described and assessed. A practical session involving the recording of ERPs will take place.
Lecture 5: ERPs in the developmental population
This lecture will provide an introduction to EEG and ERPs recordings in infants and young children. A practical session involving EEG recording in an infant will take place.
Lecture 6: The basics of Neuromodulation
This lecture will introduce the idea of modulating brain activity using various techniques e.g. TMS, tDCS, etc. A practical session involving TMS will occur.
Lecture 7: Advanced Neuromodulation
This lecture will explore advanced and novel neuromodulation protocols (e.g. repetitive, patterned and rhythmic TMS, tACS and tRNS) aimed at manipulating brain oscillations and cortical activity in combination with neuroimaging techniques such as multichannel EEG recordings. The scientific advantages and technical challenges of this multi-method approach will be highlighted. A practical session involving EEG recordings and concurrent TMS stimulation will take place.
Lecture 8: Sexual Attraction and Arousal
The lecture will provide an overview of the assessment of sexual attraction and arousal via the measure of physiological responses. A practical session will introduce some of the equipment employed for male and female participants.
Lecture 9: Shining a Light on the Brain
In this lecture, students will be introduced to the field of Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), its theoretical underpinnings, applications and limitations. A practical session involving the measurement of blood oxy- and deoxygenated haemoglobin levels using NIRS will take place.
Lecture 10: Journal Club Oral Presentations
This session will take the form of individual oral presentations by the students, followed by question and answer sessions. Presentations will be in a journal club-style and will be based on an article in a relevant subject chosen by the student.
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
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 Tom Foulsham, email: foulsham@essex.ac.uk.
Tom Foulsham, Steffan Kennett, Nick Cooper, Gerulf Rieger, Silvia Rigato
foulsham@essex.ac.uk
Yes
No
No
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
Of 21 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
21 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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