Download Masters Program in Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL: Taught Modules and Descriptions and more Lecture notes Cognitive Neuroscience in PDF only on Docsity!
The information below is provided as a guide to what you can expect during your
Masters studies at the UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience. Please note changes
may still need to be made and the information is therefore not guaranteed.
OUTLINE OF TAUGHT MODULES
During your Masters year, you need to complete a number of taught modules and a research project. Information about the project is provided in section 3 and an outline of each taught module is given below. Please note the outlines are based on what was taught in the 2015-16 year. The exact content of each module will be updated each year to reflect changes in topics, lecturers and module convenors. The overview below should be taken as a guide to what will be taught.
MSc Cognitive Neuroscience:
As an MSc student, you complete all eight modules described below and a 60-credit research project. All modules are compulsory, and worth 15 credits each. You can also take an optional Matlab module and are expected to attend the “Key Information for Masters Students” sessions.
MRes Cognitive Neuroscience:
As an MRes student, you complete four taught modules and a 120-credit research project. You take two compulsory transferable skills modules (modules 1 and 2 below), and can choose one topics-oriented module (from modules 3-5), and one methods-oriented module (from modules 6-8). All modules are worth 15 credits each. You can also take an optional Matlab module and are expected to attend the “Key Information for Masters Students” sessions.
1. Research Skills: Statistics – TRANSFERABLE SKILLS MODULE
UCL course code: PSYCGR Summary: This module discusses various issues associated with experimental design and statistics. A wide range of statistical tests will be taught (e.g. t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square, regression, correlation). The module explores the methodology and selection of statistical tests, and will teach the use of software such as SPSS. You will learn how to summarise raw data effectively in graphs and tables and how to carry out statistical analyses of data. The module will train you how to critically evaluate the quantitative methodology of studies in the field of cognitive neuroscience.
Assessment: Three online one-hour unseen written exams (best two out of three count) Topics: 1. Introduction; 2. Statistical inference; 3. Regression; 4. GLM assumptions and diagnostics; 5. Moderation and mediation; 6. Contrast coding (ANOVA); 7. Further topics in ANOVA and ANCOVA; 8. Repeated measures; 9. Introduction to mixed effects and multilevel models; 10. Logistic regression. Teacher: Dr Maarten Speekenbrink (plus lab assistants)
2. Communication Skills in Cognitive Neuroscience – TRANSFERABLE SKILLS MODULE
UCL course code: Summary:
Assessment:
PSYCGC
This module introduces you to different approaches to communication for cognitive neuroscientists, and you will develop practical, communicative and public engagement skills in cognitive neuroscience. You will learn about modern ways to disseminate science and throughout the module, key transferable skills will be developed. You will learn how to think and express ideas logically and critically; disseminate knowledge; communicate effectively in oral and written form using a variety of methods and media; interact effectively with individuals and small groups; solve problems; organise, plan and manage projects; manage time; learn and communicate actively and independently; be creative; assess yourself; make decisions. A 1,000-1,500 word popular science article and a 3-4 minute film
cognitive control. Experts in each field will describe past and present findings on the topic, using their own research as a guideline and highlighting current controversies and debates. The module will explore findings from a range of neuroimaging techniques and lesion approaches. Assessment: 2,000-3,000 word written essay Topics: 1. The imitating brain; 2. The influential adolescent brain; 3. The socially rewarded brain; 4. The interacting and cooperating brain; 5. The laughing brain; 6. The conscious brain; 7. The self- aware brain; 8. The remembering brain; 9. The happy brain; 10. The optimistic brain.
5. Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience III: Translational Research – TOPICS MODULE UCL course code: PSYCGC Summary: This is the third and final module on the current state of knowledge in the field of cognitive neuroscience. This module focuses on our understanding of translational research. Examples include cognitive neuropsychiatry, recovery and rehabilitation after neurological damage, cognition across the life span, genetic underpinnings of cognition, and language in the deaf. Experts in each field will describe past and present findings on the topic, using their own research as a guideline and highlighting current controversies and debates. The module will explore findings from a range of neuroimaging techniques and lesion approaches.
Assessment: 2,000-3,000 word written essay Topics: 1. Schizophrenia; 2. Frontal lobes, executive functions, and memory for intentions; 3. Language processing in people who are born deaf; 4. Developmental cognitive neuroscience; 5. Depression and other affective disorders; 6. Typical and atypical visual development; 7. Restoring awareness following stroke; 8. Cognitive psychosocial interventions for people with dementia; 9. Web-based therapy and cognitive training; 10. Autism.
6. Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience I: Lesion Approaches – METHODS MODULE UCL course code: PSYCGC Summary: This module teaches how lesion approaches can be used to advance the field of cognitive neuroscience. The module includes a series of case demonstrations, each of a patient with a circumscribed brain lesion and associated functional deficit. Theoretical issues surrounding neuropsychological data, and how to use magnetic resonance imaging to characterise structural and functional aspects of brain lesions, will be discussed. The module may also consider 'virtual lesions', brought about by transcranial magnetic and direct current stimulation. Lesion techniques in humans will be discussed alongside work using animal models.
Assessment: 2,000-3,000 word lab report based on the design of a new psychometric task Topics: Five case demonstrations at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery plus 1. Introduction to human neuropsychology; 2. TMS methodology; 3. Creating cognitive tests for group comparisons; 4. Lesion models in non-humans;
- Establishing brain-behaviour relationships using the human lesion method. 7. Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience II: Neuroimaging – METHODS MODULE
UCL course code: Summary:
PSYCGC
This module focuses on modern techniques for imaging the human brain. Students will be taught the key principles of a range of neuroimaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetoencephalography (MEG). The methodological limitations of these techniques will be discussed and there may be an opportunity to observe some of the techniques in action. The module explores how
