Realtime fMRI 4H PSYCH4023

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Psychology and Neuroscience
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No

Short Description

This course will give an in-depth introduction to the basics of realtime functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI) covering basics of the fMRI-signal, experimental strategies, analysis principles and potential applications.

Timetable

10 hours over a 5 week block

Requirements of Entry

Successful completion of level 3H psychology single honours and a pass in PSYCH4090

Excluded Courses

None

Assessment

Report 100% (2,500 words).

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? Not applicable for Honours courses

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Course Aims

Realtime functional brain imaging (rt-fMRI) has opened up the possibility that training individuals to control their own brain activity can bring about changes in behaviour and mental health. This course aims to give an in-depth introduction to the basics of realtime functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI). The course will cover basics of the fMRI-signal, experimental strategies, analysis techniques and evaluation of the capability to achieve clinical outcomes and behavioural change.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this programme students will be able to :

• outline the technical requirements and capabilities of rt-fMRi imaging

• evaluate basic mechanisms by which rt-fMRI might achieve behavioural and psychophysiological change

• evaluate experimental design capabilities of rt-fMRI research and compare the relative strengths and weaknesses of different approaches

• evaluate potential effectiveness of rt-fMRI for obtaining clinical outcomes and behavioural change

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.