Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience

Code

PSGY4008

School

Psychology

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

This module is an opportunity to work in depth on a specific topic in Cognitive Neuroscience. Students explore their chosen topic and its related methodological issues to their own research interests. The topic is based on a seminar provided in the School of Psychology, with approval from the convenor. The module concerns independent study in addition to supervision sessions.

Target Students

Students registered for MSc Cognitive Neuroscience, 4th year MSci and other PG students within School of Psychology. Students are reminded that enrolments which are not agreed by the Offering School in advance may be cancelled without notice.

Classes

• One 1-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks

Assessment

• 100% Coursework 1: 4000 word mini-review

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the topic covered in the review (including a good understanding of the experimental designs and brain imaging methods used to investigate the topic)

• Literature search.

• Insight into the differences between search engines (e.g., PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar)

•  Ability to search more efficiently by using search syntaxes.

Literature and citation management:

• Awareness of advantages and disadvantages of available tools (e.g., Papers, Mendeley, Zotero, Endnote)

• Tools for writing.

• Advanced MS Word skills.

• Awareness of other tools for writing (e.g., Markdown, LaTeX, Scrivener)

Intellectual Skills:

• Critical appraisal of theory, methods, and results of research papers.

• Demonstration of independence of thought by synthesising previous findings in the review.

Professional and Transferable Skills:

• Ability to work independently and in a group.

• Ability to conduct a systematic review.

• Ability to produce written work showing clear communication of ideas and research findings.

Conveners

• Dr Jan Derrfuss