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PS22007: Cognitive neuroscience

[Page last updated: 03 June 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Psychology
Credits: 10 [equivalent to 20 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 200
Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Period:
Academic Year
Assessment Summary: CWES 50%, EXOB 50%
Assessment Detail:
  • Open-book written examination (EXOB 50%)
  • Essay (CWES 50%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you must take PS12001
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the relationship between mind, brain and behaviour.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the main theories and debates in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the methods used in research in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience.
  • Understand how these methods have different strengths and weaknesses and how technology has extended our knowledge as well as the limitations.
  • Utilise concepts and research findings in critical discussion of biological and cognitive processes.
  • Utilise the underlying concepts and principles of cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience to better understand real world human behaviour.



Synopsis: Learn about cognitive psychology (the study of thinking and mental processes) and cognitive neuroscience (the biological basis and mechanisms of these processes). You will explore theoretical and methodological issues in the study of cognition, brain structure and function. Youll also gain introductory knowledge of historical and current theories and techniques, and cover fundamental processes, such as perception and more specific processes, such as decision-making.

Content: The unit will cover the following topics: The structure and functions of the brain and brain areas. Methods used in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Fundamental cognitive and cognitive neuroscience processes, such as perception, memory, and attention. More specific cognitive and cognitive neuroscience processes, such as social cognition and decision-making.

Course availability:

PS22007 is Compulsory on the following courses:

Department of Psychology

PS22007 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Chemistry
  • USSC-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry and Chemistry) (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry and Chemistry) with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry and Chemistry) with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSC-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology and Chemistry) (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology and Chemistry) with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology and Chemistry) with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSC-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry and Pharmacology) (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry and Pharmacology) with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry and Pharmacology) with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSC-AFM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry and Chemistry) (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry and Chemistry) with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Chemistry stream) with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USSC-AFM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology and Chemistry) (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology and Chemistry) with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology and Chemistry) with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSC-AFM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry and Pharmacology) (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry and Pharmacology) with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USSC-AKM10 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry and Pharmacology) with professional placement (Year 2)
Department of Education
  • UHED-AFB20 : BA(Hons) Education with Psychology (Year 2)
  • UHED-AKB20 : BA(Hons) Education with Psychology with professional placement (Year 2)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.