Cognitive Neuroscience
| Module title | Cognitive Neuroscience |
|---|---|
| Module code | NEU2005 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Federico Palmisani (Convenor) Dr Jenny Harris (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 90 |
|---|
Module description
This module explores how our mental processes are rooted in the brain's biological functions, integrating neuroscience with psychological theories. We will explore current research topics, focusing on clinical disorders such as neurodiversity, aphasia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. We will also examine non-clinical applications, including the role of cognitive neuroscience in marketing, education, and eyewitness testimony. You will gain skills in interpreting common cognitive neuroscience techniques including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and neuropsychology.
This is an optional module for students studying BSc Neuroscience. This module builds on the knowledge you will have gained in Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience (NEU1011) and Introduction to Neuroscience (NEU1006). However, you may have covered similar material elsewhere. If you have not studied the preliminary content, you should be able to successfully complete this module by undertaking some additional study, but you should discuss this further with you Academic Tutor and the Module Convenors.
This module aligns with sustainable development goal (SDG) 3, good health and wellbeing.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The main objective of the module is to provide an in-depth knowledge of key Cognitive Neuroscience topics and a critical understanding of some widely used experimental techniques. In the module you will explore both clinical and non-clinical aspects of the field, developing your ability to analyse and apply cognitive neuroscience concepts.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Summarise key theories relating to specific topics of Cognitive Neuroscience such as language
- 2. Outline and appraise key methods for investigating cognitive neuroscience.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Describe a range of cognitive disorders and how they relate to normal functioning.
- 4. Evaluate the specific challenges facing data collection within Cognitive Neuroscience.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Produce clear scientific writing, synthesising relevant aspects of the scientific literature in the construction of written arguments
- 6. Communicate information orally with audio-visual aids
Syllabus plan
The module’s precise content may vary from year to year, but the following information gives a detailed description of the typical overall structure.
The module begins with an introductory lecture to outline its broad aims, weekly structure, and assessment processes.
For each of the following ten weeks there will be a one-hour lecture. Aligned with this you will have a one-and-a-half-hour seminars, facilitated by an academic.
The final week of the module has a consolidation lecture.
The module will be assessed via coursework. You will do an oral presentation and write a research proposal based on one of the topics in the module. There will be two seminars (two hours each), which will help you prepare for your assessments.
Lectures may cover topics such as:
- Cognitive neuroscience for methods for diagnosis
- Neurodiversity
- Aphasia
- Atypical dementia
- Cognitive Neuroscience in education
- Cognitive neuroscience in marketing and games design
- Eye-witness testimony
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | 118 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 12 | Lectures (9 x1h, 2x1.5h) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 20 | Interactive Seminars (10 x 2h) |
| Guided Independent Study | 38 | Literature searches, reading and preparation for seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | 80 | Preparation for coursework |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formative group oral presentation | 10 mins each | 1-4, 6 | Written |
| Portfolio items | 150 words | 1-5 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral presentation | 50 | 10 mins | 1-4, 6 | Written |
| Portfolio | 50 | 1500 words | 1-5 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral presentation | Recorded oral presentation (10mins; 50%) | 1-4, 6 | Referral/Deferral Period |
| Portfolio | Research proposal (1500 words; 50%) | 1-5 | Referral/Deferral Period |
Re-assessment notes
Students who are resubmitting an item of coursework as a result of referral in the module will submit during the ref/def period a new equivalent assessment e.g., presentation on a different topic, from the one originally assessed.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- The Student’s Guide to Cognitive Neuroscience (2nd Edition, 2010, ISBN 1848722729): Chapters 6, 7, 8
- Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience: A Beginner's Guide (2018, ISBN 9780128038130): Chapters 1, 4, 8
- Essentials of Neuropsychology (2024, ISBN: 978-1-032-63978-9)
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 20/02/2025 |
