Postgraduate taught 

Psychological Science, Research Methods of MSc

Cognitive Brain Imaging Methods (PGT) PSYCH5022

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Psychology and Neuroscience
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: No

Short Description

This course will introduce students to key issues in brain imaging, namely: mechanisms of generation of EEG-MEG signals, topographical distribution, relation between evoked magnetic fields and electric potentials, relationship to cognition; physical basics of Magnetic Resonance imaging (anatomical images, gradients, RF); basics of functional MRI - blood oxygenation contrast (BOLD, neurophysiological basis, neuronal responses, local field potentials, etc); basics of fMRI experimental design (block design, event related design, adaptation); recent advances in recording and analysing EEG and fMRI signals simultaneously; application of brain imaging to clinical cases; recent advances in understanding the brain-behaviour relationship by non-invasive transcranial brain stimulation

Timetable

2 hours per week

Excluded Courses

None

Assessment

One piece of coursework (100%, 3000 words). Either a critical review on brain imaging methods with a topic to be chosen from a list of questions set by the course team, or a critical evaluation on the means of adapting a research project, or published research, in order to be addressed in a different imaging technique than originally performed.

Course Aims

■ To expose students to aspects of current neuroimaging research techniques, designs and application.

■ To provide students with knowledge of the application and implementation of a range of brain imaging methods and experimental paradigms.

■ To give students the knowledge and skills required to critically discuss which approaches are most appropriate for given research questions and applications.

■ To give students knowledge of the principal theories and concepts underpinning various neuroimaging techniques and designs.

■ e) To help students develop a critical awareness of current issues in neuroimaging, nueropsychology, neuroscience, and related areas.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

Students will be able to:

■ Critically discuss and synthesise knowledge of advanced methods of neuroimaging in Psychology and Neuroscience

■ Critically evaluate the application of advanced neuroimaging methods in answering research questions in Psychology and Neuroscience

■ Critically compare and evaluate advanced neuroimaging methods used in Psychology and Neuroscience in terms of improving analyses and inferences.

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.