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Principles of Cognitive Neuroscience - PSY00101M

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

The goal of cognitive neuroscience is to explain cognitive processes in terms of the structure and function of the brain. This module reviews the major ways cognitive neuroscientists study brain functions, particularly the imaging technologies that have revolutionized our ability to study the human brain as we perceive, think, remember, understand and act. These are explored through a series of introductory lectures providing an overview of the field and highlighting the complementary strengths and weaknesses of different techniques. Then a series of more in-depth lectures unpacks two key methods, fMRI and MEG, exploring the ways that specialized experimental designs can be used in conjunction with these techniques to investigate how the brain thinks. Alongside the lecture course a series of research design tutorials develop students' ability to incorporate these principles into their own experimental designs to answer novel research questions.

Module learning outcomes

  • To explain the interdisciplinary roots and scope of cognitive neuroscience and the role of imaging techniques.
  • Describe the relationship between brain activity and neuroimaging signals
  • Evaluate the application of specific neuroimaging techniques (particularly fMRI, MEG, EEG & TMS) to a range of research questions.
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the special considerations involved in experimental design and analysis in fMRI and MEG.
  • Devise and optimize an fMRI experiment to address a research question in cognitive neuroscience taking account of method-specific constraints.

Module content

  • Introduction: What is Cognitive Neuroscience?
  • Lesions and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
  • Introduction to EEG and MEG
  • Introduction to Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Fundamentals of Neuroanatomy and function
  • Design and Analysis of fMRI experiments
  • Design and Analysis of MEG experiments
  • fMRI Design Tutorials

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 50
Essay/coursework 50

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 50
Essay/coursework 50

Module feedback

Marks will be available through e:vision.

Indicative reading

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging by Huettel, Song, McCarthy (3rd edition)

Principles of Cognitive Neuroscience Purves et al.


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.