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Cognitive Neuroscience

Module description

Cognitive Neuroscience seeks to explain our mental lives by integrating observations made at a cellular level within overarching theoretical frameworks. This module builds on the knowledge gained in the Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience module (NEU2003). You will explore the Cognitive Neuroscience of perception, attention and working memory, focussing on the visual system. Common techniques used in this endeavour will be discussed including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), eye-tracking, psychophysics (binocular rivalry, dual-task paradigms), and psychophysiology (skin conductance). After building a firm foundation in cognitive neuroscience you will go on to consider visual disorders including neglect and hallucinations.

We approach the topic though weekly lectures and facilitated journal club sessions. These are accompanied by a series of technique masterclasses focussing on fMRI, EEG and TMS.  These masterclasses will show you how fMRI, EEG and TMS data are collected and analysed.

This is an optional module for students studying BSc Neuroscience. This module is also open to students from the BSc Medical Sciences (Neuroscience pathway) subject to capacity.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module provides an in-depth investigation  into Cognitive Neuroscience. Students will explore the historical origins of Cognitive Neuroscience and its contemporary philosophical concerns, using the visual system as a model. Students will explore  a range of visual phenomena related to Cognitive Neuroscience. Finally, students will have hands-on opportunities to gain experience with key experimental techniques.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Outline the historical development and philosophy of the Cognitive Neuroscience of vision.
• 2. Evaluate key methods for investigating visual cognition.
• 3. Delineate the key cellular processes and pathways that mediate the passage of visual information through the human nervous system.
• 4. Interpret the role of different cortical areas in object and face recognition.
• 5. Discuss contemporary explanations for visual recognition.
• 6. Explain, with appropriate examples, the selective allocation of visual attention.
• 7. Appraise the interpretation of neglect as a failure of attentional processes.
• 8. Discuss visual disorders and how they relate to normal functioning.
• 9. Discuss the complexities of working memory.
• 10. Summarise the relationship between working memory, attention and visual imagery.
• 11. Explain the importance of mental imagery.
• 12. Examine the promises and perils of fMRI, EEG and TMS.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 13. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the principles underpinning experimental design and data presentation within Cognitive Neuroscience.
• 14. 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...

• 15. Synthesize, and critically evaluate, primary sources of information.
• 16. Exemplify critical thinking in the construction and analysis of written arguments.
• 17. Produce clear scientific writing.

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 one-hour pre-recorded online lectures. Aligned with this you will have a one and a half hour journal club session, in which the discussion of a related research paper will be facilitated by a specialist academic. During the module there will also be three three-hour technique masterclasses led by a specialist academic.

The final week of the module has a consolidation lecture, in which students can choose which topic areas they would like to re-visit.

The module is assessed through two pieces of summative coursework, and a journal club and masterclass session contribution score. For the first piece of coursework, you will design a cognitive neuroscience experiment using the techniques covered in the masterclasses and present an image of the design together with justification of your choice. For the second piece of summative coursework, you will write a news and views article. This will require a critical evaluation of the associated methods and proposed interpretation, not a general description of the topic.

Lectures  may cover topics such as:

1. History and philosophy of Cognitive Neuroscience of Vision
2. Cognitive models of vision
3. Methods of investigating the Cognitive Neuroscience of Vision: eye-tracking, psychophysics, psychophysiology
4. Methods of investigating the Cognitive Neuroscience of Vision: EEG, fMRI, TMS
5. Neural underpinnings of selective attention
6. Object and face recognition
7. Visual perception
8. Visual imagery
9. Introduction to visual working memory
10. Visual working memory, attention, and imagery
11. Neglect as a failure of attention
12. Visual hallucinations and delusions
13. Visual disorders

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Please refer to the TQA section for full guidance on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/ 

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience: A Beginner's Guide (2018, ISBN 9780128038130), Chapters 1, 4, 8
• The Student’s Guide to Cognitive Neuroscience (2nd Edition, 2010, ISBN 1848722729): Chapters 6, 7, 8

Key words search

Neuroscience, Cognition, Attention, Working memory, Imagery