BSc Psychology

Cognition involves studying mental processes through interdisciplinary experimental methods from psychology and related fields. Cognitive neuroscience focuses on exploring cognition using neuroscience techniques, with an emphasis on the neural mechanisms underlying mental processes. This field has become integral to psychological research and has contributed significantly to developments in artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction.

As part of this unit, you will study and critically evaluate advanced topics in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience. These include historical and ethical issues in modern cognitive research, key methodologies for investigating cognition and brain function, and specialised topics such as visual perception, object recognition, emotional processing, memory, action, decision-making, reasoning, and language.
The lectures will outline theories and research employing multidisciplinary behavioural and neuroimaging tools, with consideration of how findings apply to real-world and applied contexts.

This is a compulsory Year 2 unit within the BSc Psychology and BSc Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology programmes. It provides a foundation for further study and independent project work in this theme at Level 6.

This unit aims to: 

• Introduce advanced concepts in cognition and understand how it is studied within the fields of cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience.
• Equip students with knowledge of the main theories and empirical studies in cognitive, experimental psychology and neuroscience.
• Enhance critical reasoning, evaluation and presentation skills.

Course unit content will be delivered in weekly lectures taking place twice per week. These sessions will present key concepts, theories, and studies, while interactive elements will reinforce understanding and assess learning.
Lecture materials, supplementary readings, and monitored discussion boards will be accessible on the unit’s Canvas site. Additionally, drop-in sessions will be offered to provide further support and address student questions.

• Analyse and evaluate the neural basis of cognitive functions, from perception to higher cognitive abilities.
• Explain and evaluate the diverse methods used in studying cognition and its neural basis.
• Explain topics and debates in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience within their historical context.  

• Critically appraise empirical and theoretical models of cognition by gathering material from different sources and disciplines.
• Interpret and critically evaluate empirical studies in cognition, with a special emphasis on the neural basis and the mechanisms involved.
• Analyse and critically evaluate theories and findings in cognition from diverse disciplines exploring the mind-brain interface.
• Explain and evaluate the ethical, theoretical, and practical implications of theories of cognition and their relation to the mind-brain interface.
• Plan and construct arguments based around appropriate theoretical and empirical evidence. 

• Use a range of sources (library, internet, electronic databases) to gather information and explore topics. 

• Collaborate inclusively in small groups to discuss topics, evaluate research outcomes, and solve problems by integrating diverse perspectives.  
• Develop written communication and presentation skills to critically evaluate the outcomes of research in cognition.
• Evaluate and communicate research findings in a clear and coherent manner in accordance with APA guidelines. 

See Assessment Methods

• Ward, J. (2019). The student's guide to cognitive neuroscience (4th ed.). Routledge. 
• Baddeley, A., Eysenck, M., & Anderson, M. (2020). Memory (3rd ed.). London : Psychology Press, Taylor & Francis Group.
• Eysenck, M. W. & Keane, M. T. (2015). Cognitive Psychology: A student’s handbook (7th ed.). East Sussex: Taylor & Francis.
• Additional readings (e.g., journal research articles; review papers; chapters from more specialised textbooks) will be given in each lecture to consolidate, complement and expand knowledge.