Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging

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Course Content

High-level training in the latest brain imaging and cognitive neuroscience methods: students aspiring to do postgraduate research will be taught by experts in brain imaging methods. The lecturers' expertise covers methods such as functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, structural MRI/VBM, MEG, EEG, TMS. Complementary lectures in psychophysics and experimental neuropsychology, delivered by experts in these fields, enable students to study brain and behaviour relationship in an optimal way. Lectures in experimental design explain how to set up experiments that fully exploit the potential of brain imaging and cognitive neuroscience methods.

Research context for methods. All methods covered in this course will be explained in the context of current research questions, providing students with a background in cognitive neuroscience. The course explicitly aims at going beyond knowledge in imaging methods. Lectures will share their experience in imaging-based research, ranging from motor processes, perception (auditory, visual, multisensory) to cognitive and executive functions, including clinical aspects. The hands-on components of the course, along with research projects, makes students apply a certain method to a particular research question.

Skills to evaluate critically the use of neuroimaging methods in the area of cognitive neuroscience. Based on the knowledge acquired in this course, students will be able to evaluate neuroimaging studies in terms of method, experimental design, and choice of acquisition and data evaluation parameters.

Skills to design and conduct independent research using neuroimaging methods. This course will enable students to choose the method, design, and parameters that are best suited for a given research question.

Transferable, employment-related skills: The assessment methods of the course, presentation and essays, are chosen to enhance students' skills in oral and written communication. A programming course and the hands-on laboratory work give students practice-oriented skills in information technology.

Skills to satisfy the ESRC research training guidelines. Students have access to courses on transferable skills and personal development organised by the Graduate School.

Course Structure
The course comprises 180 credits, corresponding to a total of 1,800 hours of students' effort. Taught modules, workshops and seminars comprise 100 credits, and placements for hands-on research 80 credits. One year (months I-XII) full-time or two year part-time. Taught modules are delivered in the autumn and spring semester.
Months: I-IVModule title (and number for curriculum map below): Methods for cognitive neuroscience: MRI, electrophysiological, behavioural (1)Credits: 30
Form of assessment: Exam = essay and 6,000-word dissertation*
Months: I-IVModule title (and number for curriculum map below): Methods for cognitive neuroscience: MRI, electrophysiological, behavioural (1)Credits: 30
Form of assessment: Exam = essay and 6,000-word dissertation*
Months: I-IVModule title (and number for curriculum map below): Human cognitive neuroscience: basic introduction and implications for experimental design (2)Credits: 15
Form of assessment: Research plan to be presented in seminar
Months: V-VIIIModule title (and number for curriculum map below): Computer programming for stimuli and analysis with demonstration of fMRI software packages (3)Credits: 15
Form of assessment: Example program or script and analysis of example dataset
Months: I-XIIModule title (and number for curriculum map below): Seminars: School of Psychology and Sir Peter Mansfield Magnetic Resonance Centre, SPMMRC (4)Credits: 10
Form of assessment: Summarise two talks of student's choice in 2,000-word reports
Months: I-XIIModule title (and number for curriculum map below): Analytical Research Methods (advanced statistics in existing course C84RAM, Dr Fiona Gavin) (5)Credits: 10
Form of assessment: As for existing course, 2 x 2,000 word reports portfolio
Months: I-XIIModule title (and number for curriculum map below): Professional and Ethical Issues in Research and Practice (exist'g course C8DPRP, Dr Santos) (6)Credits: 10
Form of assessment: As for existing course, 2 x 2,000 words essays as coursework
Months: I-XIIModule title (and number for curriculum map below): Research and Personal development skills, Graduate School program (according to student's choice, for example presentation skills etc ...) (7)Credits: 10
Form of assessment: As prescribed by Graduate School
Months: V-VIIIModule title (and number for curriculum map below): Research placement (8)Credits: 20
Form of assessment: Presentation in seminar
Months: IX-XIIModule title (and number for curriculum map below): Research project (9)Credits: 60
Form of assessment: Extended project report = 8,000 words
Months: 12 moCredits: 180Key facts
* To be accredited by ESRC as part of "1+3" PhD programs
* Taught by experts in brain imaging methods
* Enables students to fully exploit the potential of brain imaging and cognitive neuroscience methods
* Range of equipment accessible to students includes 3T MR scanner, MEG, EEG and TMS systems