Central Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience, 7.5 Credits

Contents

Contents

The course gives a brief introduction to the structure and function of the brain, its processing of sensory information, and perceptual processes. The main emphasis of the course is on central concepts, theories, and empirical findings concerning attention, working memory, executive functions, long-term memory, and emotions. The course also addresses the relationship between neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Writing a short essay, for which the topic is chosen in consultation with the teacher, is also a part of the course.

Expected learning outcomes

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

Be able to account for:

• the brain's basic anatomy and organization, including neuronal characteristics and communication, as well as how its processing of sensory information lays the foundation for perception and higher cognitive functions

Skill and ability

Show the ability to:

• relate brain structures and networks to the cognitive processes attention, working memory and executive functions, long-term memory, and emotions
• communicate and analyze scientific literature on central concepts, theories, and empirical findings concerning the neural processes underlying attention, working memory and executive functions, long-term memory, and emotions
• discuss and explain the relationship between neuroscience and artificial intelligence
• synthesize knowledge about a well-defined topic in cognitive neuroscience and report it in English, orally and in writing 

Evaluation ability and approach

• from a scientific standpoint critically evaluate and contrast theories and empirical findings in cognitive neuroscience
• be able to assess the quality of scientific studies

Required Knowledge

Admitted to the Master's programme in Cognitive Science, or 90 ECTS within a main field of study, of which at least 15 ECTS should have a connection to cognitive science, cognitive psychology, psychology, psychiatry, neurobiology, neurology, neuroscience, or equivalent. English B/6 is also required.

Form of instruction

Form of instruction

The course is given at a 50% pace. The teaching comprises short lectures, mandatory in-depth seminars, as well as independent knowledge acquisition and essay writing. In addition to scheduled time, the course requires a high degree of individual processing of the course material. The teaching will be in English.

Examination modes

Examination modes

The examination comprises an individual written exam of the basic course components, oral group examinations during the seminars, where individual assessment can be made, as well as a written essay that is also orally presented individually at the final seminar. Examining course components are specified in the schedule.

A student who does not fully reach the goals for an examination but is close to the requirements for a passing grade can, upon decision from the examiner, be given the opportunity to hand in a supplementary or revised examination to reach a passing grade on the course. The supplementary examination is individually adapted from the goal or goals that the student has not reached, and should, at the earliest, take place two weeks after the students have been notified the results from the examination, and at the latest two months after the first examination. A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined for a higher grade.

Exceptions from the examination mode specified in the syllabus may be made for a student who has been given a decision about pedagogical support due to disability. Individual adaptations of the examination mode should be considered based on the student's need. The examination mode shall be adapted within the framework of the expected learning outcomes stated in the course syllabus. The decision about exception from the specified examination mode is made by the director of studies. At the request of the student, the course coordinator, in consultation with the examiner, must promptly decide on an adapted examination mode. The decision must then be notified to the student.

The course grade is given when all parts of the examination have been approved. The grade scale comprises the grades Pass, Pass with distinction, and Fail. A passing grade on the course requires a passing grade on all parts of the examination (written exam, seminars, and essay). Pass with distinction is given if both the written exam and the essay fulfill the requirements for this grade, in addition to a passing grade on the seminars. Students who do not pass at the time of the written examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a further examination within two months, according to the university's regulations ("Regler för betyg och examination på grund- och avancerad nivå"). The students are guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the first examination session) according to a previous course syllabus, during a time period of maximally two years from the time of cessation of the previous syllabus or course. A student who has failed an examination on two occasions, has the right to have another examiner, unless special circumstances speak against it (HF 6 kap. 22 §). A request for a new examiner should be handed to the director of studies at the Department of Integrative Medical Biology.