Memory & The Brain - PSY00064M
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Spring Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
Our memories make us who we are. They allow us to delve into our past and project ourselves into the future. How does the brain support something so complex, subjective and personal?
This module will explore the cognitive neuroscience of long-term memory, with a specific focus on episodic and spatial memory. We will explore this topic from a wide variety of methodologies – from traditional experimental psychology, to neuropsychology, to brain imaging, to electrophysiological recordings.
Students enrolling on this module should demonstrate a good understanding of core knowledge in cognitive psychology, as well as intermediate skills in quantitative statistical analyses.
Module learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities involved in the study of long-term memory
- Compare and contrast memory research at different scales, from individual neurons to cortical networks
- Critically appraise research related to episodic and spatial memory
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the neural circuitry of the medial temporal lobe, including the hippocampus
- Evaluate the main theoretical accounts of hippocampal function
Module content
- Memory systems and declarative memory
- Episodic and semantic memory
- Recollection and familiarity
- Medial Temporal Lobe architecture
- Pattern separation and pattern completion
- Functional neurons in the medial temporal lobes
- Process and representational accounts of the medial temporal lobes
- The medial temporal lobes beyond episodic memory
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 40 |
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 40 |
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
Module feedback
The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision.
These marks will be accompanied by module feedback forms which will be circulated by e-mail.
Students will meet supervisors in wk 6 in AuT, SpT and wk 9 in SuT to discuss their marks.
Indicative reading
The following review papers will give an reasonable overview of some of the topics and issues covered in the module:
- Horner, A.J., & Doeller, C.F. (2017) Plasticity of hippocampal memories in humans, Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 43, 102-109.
- Burgess, N., Maguire, E. A, & O’Keefe, J. (2002). The human hippocampus and spatial and episodic memory. Neuron, 35(4), 625–641.
- Rugg, M. D., & Yonelinas, A. P. (2003). Human recognition memory: a cognitive neuroscience perspective. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 7(7), 313–319.