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Basic Principles in Neuroimaging - PSY00011M

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Tim Andrews
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
    • See module specification for other years: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2021-22

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

  • Compare and contrast the principles underlying different neuroimaging techniques (particularly fMRI, MEG, EEG & TMS)
  • Critically evaluate the relationship between brain activity and neuroimaging signals
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the applications and limitations of neuroimaging in experimental psychology
  • Critically evaluate 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

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Basic Principles in Neuroimaging		 1.5 hours 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Basic Principles in Neuroimaging		 1.5 hours 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 is constantly exploring 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 by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.