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Module Catalogue

PS381-15 Brains: The final frontier

Department
Psychology
Level
Undergraduate Level 3
Module leader
Alex Clarke
Credit value
15
Module duration
12 weeks
Assessment
40% coursework, 60% exam
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

This module covers methods and theories from Cognitive Neuroscience, focussing on perception and memory

Module aims

This module will provide students with an understanding of how research in the cognitive neuroscience of perception and memory has transformed our understanding of cognitive processes in the human brain. The module will cover historical and contemporary methods to study the human brain, what we have learned about perception and memory, and the emerging uses of cognitive neuroscience in the real world. The module will also develop the students practical skills in neuroimaging data analysis and interpretation.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The lectures on this module will cover the historical development of cognitive neuroscience and the current methods we use to understand the human brain; the visual system and object recognition; episodic memory and navigation; semantic knowledge; disorders of memory; and cognitive neuroscience in the clinic and real world. The seminars will additionally teach practical skills in coding and data analysis of brain imaging data; neuroanatomy and neuropsychological testing.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  •  Understand the history and contemporary use of neuroimaging in understanding the human brain
  •  Develop skills in data analysis and basic MATLAB coding
  •  Develop critical analysis skills in understanding the limits of cognitive neuroscience research
  •  Understand the principles of different neuroimaging methods
  • Describe the brain basis of visual perception, semantic and episodic memory

Indicative reading list

The student's guide to cognitive neuroscience. Jamie Ward.

Cognitive Neuroscience: The biology of the mind. George R. Mangun, Michael Gazzaniga, and Richard B. Ivry.

A selection of journal articles from Trends in Cognitive Science.

Subject specific skills

Building knowledge of cognitive neuroscience research and theories, and the ability to evaluate research data. Understanding the relationship between the brain and cognitive processes, and how our understanding of the brain has changed over time.

Transferable skills

Develop skills in critical evaluation, and how data can be interpreted. Develop computer coding skills, working effectively in teams and enhanced communication skills

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 12 sessions of 2 hours (16%)
Seminars 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%)
Private study 116 hours (77%)
Total 150 hours

Private study description

Private Guided Student study and preparation for assessment and exam

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group D
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
Research report 30% No

Complete an fMRI research report based on data and results provided
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Matlab seminar 5% No

Seminar participation using Matlab to analyse EEG data
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Brain anatomy seminar 5% No

Complete seminar on brain anatomy
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Exam 60% No

~Platforms - Submission Through Tabula Assignment Management,WAS

  • Online examination: No Answerbook required
Reassessment component is the same
Feedback on assessment

Assessed via annotated copy of submission; Exam performance via personal tutor or online.

Past exam papers for PS381

Pre-requisites

To take this module, you must have passed:

Courses

This module is Optional for:

  • UPSA-C800 Undergraduate Psychology
    • Year 3 of C800 Psychology
    • Year 3 of C800 Psychology
  • Year 4 of UPSA-C801 Undergraduate Psychology (with Intercalated year)
  • Year 3 of UPSA-C804 Undergraduate Psychology with Education Studies
  • Year 4 of UPSA-C806 Undergraduate Psychology with Education Studies (with Intercalated Year)
  • UPSA-C802 Undergraduate Psychology with Linguistics
    • Year 3 of C802 Psychology with Linguistics
    • Year 3 of C802 Psychology with Linguistics
  • Year 4 of UPSA-C805 Undergraduate Psychology with Linguistics (with Intercalated Year)