Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience
| Module title | Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience |
|---|---|
| Module code | NEU1011 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Federico Palmisani (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 150 |
|---|
Module description
Cognitive neuroscience seeks to uncover the neural basis of what makes us human—our ability to think, remember, perceive, and feel. In this module we will look into the brain’s role in shaping core aspects of our identity, from memory and language to consciousness and decision-making. Understanding techniques like fMRI and EEG, students will learn how researchers map these human traits to specific brain functions. By linking cognitive processes to neural pathways, the module will teach students how the brain shapes who we are, offering fascinating insights into the biological causes of our thoughts, behaviours, and what sets us apart as a species.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module will introduce you to the fascinating history and philosophy of cognitive neuroscience while exploring key methods used in the field, including neuroimaging and neuropsychological testing. You’ll examine essential cognitive processes, such as memory and perception, and learn how cognitive neuroscience helps explain symptoms associated with various conditions, providing a foundation for future studies in cognitive neuroscience and clinical neuropsychology.
You will gain a solid theoretical grounding in core methods, such as fMRI and EEG, and engage with data from both patient studies and research on healthy individuals. This will allow you to understand cognitive functions and the cognitive symptoms that can arise.
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your scientific communication skills through presentations and will participate in an interview-style experience, helping you feel more confident in sharing your knowledge.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Compare Cognitive Neuroscience with other branches of Neuroscience, by understanding its object of study and its links with Biology and Psychology.
- 2. Discuss the application of key methodologies in cognitive neuroscience, including neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques.
- 3. Analyse key theoretical concepts related to various aspects of cognitive neuroscience, such as memory, language, attention, perception, executive functions and emotion.
- 4. Explain how cognitive neuroscience is relevant to the understanding of neurological conditions and symptoms, with references to developmental and adult-age conditions.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the principles underpinning data presentation within Cognitive Neuroscience.
- 6. Evaluate how cognitive neuroscience methods contribute to our understanding of various cognitive processes and their relevance to psychological and neurological conditions.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Communicate scientific information effectively in oral presentations, employing audio-visual aids to support your arguments.
- 8. Demonstrate effective interview skills by articulating knowledge of concepts and research during a mock interview setting.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
The module begins with an introductory workshop to outline its broad aims, weekly structure, and assessment processes.
Following this there will be a series of 1-hour lectures covering topics such as:
- History and philosophy of Cognitive Neuroscience
- Methods in cognitive neuroscience
- Key theoretical concepts relating to, for example, memory, language, attention, vision, and emotion.
- Applied cognitive neuroscience with reference to neurodevelopmental disorder and post-stroke symptoms.
Alongside lectures, a series of two-hour workshops will build upon lecture material and cover the critical analysis of scientific papers, presentation of scientific material and experimental design in cognitive neuroscience. These sessions will help you develop the skills needed for the assessments.
The skills and knowledge gain in this module will be assessed by an oral-presentation on an aspect of cognitive neuroscience and a knowledge-based examination.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 34 | 116 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 16 | 8 x 2-hour workshops |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 6 | 3 x 2-hour lab sessions |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 12 | 12 x 1-hour lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | 13 | Lecture preparation and consolidation |
| Guided Independent Study | 24 | Workshop preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | 28 | Writing and preparing coursework |
| Guided Independent Study | 24 | Wider reading |
| Guided Independent Study | 25 | Revision |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshops | 1-8 | Verbal |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral presentation and mock interview | 40 | 10 minutes | 1-8 | Written |
| Exam | 60 | 2 hours | 1-8 | 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 and mock interview | 10-minute oral Presentation (40%) | 1-8 | Referral/Deferral Period |
| Exam | 2-hour exam (60%) | 1-8 | 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.
The module is Universal by Design.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
“Writing for Science Students” – Boyle & Ramsey?ISBN-13:?978-1137571519
| 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 |
