BSc Computer Science (Human Computer Interaction) / Course details

The unit will introduce students to advanced neuroanatomy and key concepts in the cognitive neuroscience of learning, memory, attention, language, emotion and executive function. Building on the basic knowledge students acquired of these topics in Year 1 (PSYC11212), students will become familiar with more advanced topics in cognition and their multidisciplinary investigation through use of behavioural, computational, neuropsychological and neuroimaging tools.

The unit aims to introduce students to advanced concepts in cognitive neuroscience and develop analytical and critical thinking skills. Research and evaluation skills will be enhanced through practical lab sessions.

Knowledge and Understanding:

Demonstrate an understanding of cognitive neuroscience topics; Appreciate the methods used in cognitive neuroscience research.

Intellectual Skills:

Critically evaluate empirical studies and scholarly reviews in cognitive neuroscience; Analyse and make critical judgements about theories and findings in cognitive neuroscience.

Practical Skills:

With guidance, conduct research on a topic in cognitive neuroscience; Use a range of sources (library, internet, electronic databases) to gather information; Plan how to construct a written argument based around appropriate empirical evidence; Structure research results in a clear and coherent report format; Write research reports in accordance with APA guidelines.

Transferable skills and personal qualities:

Independently gather and select the most relevant information from a body of work through online and library sources; Present concise and persuasive arguments; Produce a written summary of research for an academic audience; Work effectively in a team; Develop skills in critical thinking.

Week 1:

Intro & Methods - Gorana Pobric

Week 2:

The Spatial Brain - Gorana Pobric

Week 3:

The Numerate Brain - Gorana Pobric

Week 4: 

The Hearing Brain & Music - Gorana Pobric

Week 5:

The Remembering Brain 1 - Deborah Talmi

Week 6:

The Remembering Brain 2 - Deborah Talmi

Week 7:

The Hearing Brain - Evi Argyriou

Week 8:

The Speaking Brain - Evi Argyriou

EASTER

Week 9:

The Literate Brain - Evi Argyriou

Week 10:

The Social & Emotional Brain 1 - Evi Argyriou

Week 11:

The Social & Emotional Brain 2 - Evi Argyriou

Week 12:

The Executive Brain - Evi Argyriou

Course unit content will be delivered in twelve 90 minute lectures.  Lecture content, supplementary reading and resources and a monitored discussion board will be available via the unit Blackboard site.

Students should be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of cognitive neuroscience topics; Appreciate the methods used in cognitive neuroscience research.

Students should be able to:

Critically evaluate empirical studies and scholarly reviews in cognitive neuroscience; Analyse and make critical judgements about theories and findings in cognitive neuroscience.

Students should be able to:

With guidance, conduct research on a topic in cognitive neuroscience; Use a range of sources (library, internet, electronic databases) to gather information; Plan how to construct a written argument based around appropriate empirical evidence; Structure research results in a clear and coherent report format; Write research reports in accordance with APA guidelines.

Students should be able to:

Independently gather and select the most relevant information from a body of work through online and library sources; Present concise and persuasive arguments; Produce a written summary of research for an academic audience; Work effectively in a team; Develop skills in critical thinking.

Students will have opportunities to ask questions in lectures and via the discussion board. Practise MCQ questions will also be provided. Students will receive a grade and can request a summary of their performance after the exam board.

Ward, J. (2010). The student’s guide to cognitive neuroscience (3rd ed.). Hove: Psychology Press, Taylor & Francis Group.