PSYC41330: Techniques in Cognitive Neuroscience

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• This module aims to provide students with advanced knowledge of a range of techniques used in cognitive neuroscience research. This will be achieved by providing students with advanced in-depth and practical experience of research techniques used in cognitive neuroscience and by outlining their strengths, weaknesses and suitability to address certain research questions. Content may also address applications and clinical relevance. In addition, this module aims to provide students with computer programming skills and the ability to relate these skills to cognitive neuroscience research and applications.

• With respect to methods used in cognitive neuroscience research, the module uses seminars to develop an understanding of the background behind methodologies to answer critical questions. The seminars cover both theoretical background to the methodologies and the constraints of experimental design unique to each technique. Techniques to be covered in seminars may include fMRI, TMS, EEG/ERP, human neuropsychology and animal work. With respect to computer programming, content includes general programming skills and an introduction to tools and languages commonly used in cognitive neuroscience research, e.g. MATLAB. Students will also take part in at least two five hour practical laboratory placements. The first placement will be on a technique of the student's choosing and will be focused on developing practical experience with the technique rather than collecting data for an empirical objective. The second placement will be on MRI techniques. Whilst methods, techniques and programming are taught within a cognitive neuroscience context, they also apply in other settings, e.g. clinical, social, industry, etc.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Acquisition of knowledge about the backgrounds to cognitive neuroscience methodologies and their applications
• Acquisition of knowledge about relevant programming language(s)
• Acquisition of knowledge about the particular constraints, limitations and benefits of a variety of cognitive neuroscience techniques
• In depth knowledge of particular techniques in cognitive neuroscience
• Understanding the appropriateness of particular methodologies for answering particular empirical questions

Subject-specific Skills:

• Be able to use specialised cognitive neuroscience techniques
• Be able to design and write a computer programme with a specific experimental aim

Key Skills:

• Development of written communication skills
• Development of oral communication skills
• Developing the ability to learn independently within broad guidelines

• Seminars introducing students to a variety of techniques in cognitive neuroscience.Seminars allow student-led discussion and small group teaching which will support the development of practical skills and knowledge about the background to these methodologies. Seminars will allow students to develop their oral communication skills and their ability to learn independently. Students' knowledge of the methodologies will be assessed through a formative multiple choice test and summative 2 hour exam. The examination will assess the students written communication skills.
• Two laboratory placement will last for five hours and be under the guidance of an experienced researcher. Students' understanding of the appropriateness of particular methodologies for particular empirical questions will be summatively assessed in a written examination.
• Programming will be taught via weekly lectures and workshops. Workshops will allow students to work in small groups for problem based teaching. Workshops will allow for small group teaching and student-led discussion to develop programming skills. Students' understanding of programming will be formatively assessed through the course of the module using problem solving and multiple choice questions and summatively assessed in a class test.

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