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Basic Principles in Neuroimaging - PSY00038H

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

Cognitive neuroscience is a relatively new scientific field that has arisen from the marriage of neuroscience, a biomedical field of study that focuses on animal nervous systems and that by any measure has flourished both conceptually and technically during the past century; and cognitive psychology, a discipline rooted in the long-standing interest of natural philosophers and psychologists in understanding human mental processes. The rationale for this union is the perception in both camps that many human brain functions that only a few years ago were considered beyond the reach of neuroscientific methods and theory are in fact amenable to an approach that combines the best of both traditions. This module reviews the major ways cognitive neuroscientists study brain functions, particularly the imaging technologies that have revolutionized our ability to study the living, behaving brain and are responsible for the emergence of cognitive neuroscience as a new field.

Module learning outcomes

  • Give an account of the principles underlying different neuroimaging techniques (particularly fMRI, MEG, EEG & TMS)
  • Describe the relationship between brain activity and neuroimaging signals
  • Discuss the applications and limitations of neuroimaging in experimental psychology
  • Understand the principles of experimental design in neuroimaging

Module content

  • Introduction to Brain and Behaviour
  • Basic Principles of MRI
  • From Neurons to BOLD
  • Spatial and Temporal Properties of fMRI
  • Principles & Practice in MEG
  • Experimental Design & Analysis in Neuroimaging
  • Virtual Lesions: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
  • A Primer in Neuroanatomy

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

Marks will be available through e:vision.

Indicative reading

Please see the VLE pages for further details.



The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.