COURSE UNIT TITLE

: INTRODUCTION TO COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE

Description of Individual Course Units

Course Unit Code Course Unit Title Type Of Course D U L ECTS
PSI 4035 INTRODUCTION TO COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE ELECTIVE 3 0 0 5

Offered By

Psychology

Level of Course Unit

First Cycle Programmes (Bachelor's Degree)

Course Coordinator

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DERYA DURUSU EMEK SAVAŞ

Offered to

Psychology

Course Objective

The course aims to explain cognitive processes and behavior in terms of their underlying brain mechanisms. It is designed to understand how complex cognitive functions such as attention, vision, perception, memory, language and emotion are organized in the brain by using evidences from brain imaging studies and neurocognitive assessments. Along the way, students will be also introduced to the principles of neuroimaging and learn how they contribute to our understanding of the brain mechanisms underpinning cognition and behavior.

Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit

1   Will be able to define key terms, concepts and theories in cognitive neuroscience,
2   Will be able to describe cognitive and brain mechanisms related to perception, attention, language, learning, memory, executive functions, emotion and social cognition,
3   Will be able to learn about cognitive development and central nervous system,
4   Will be able to develop a critical understanding of the major methods of research in cognitive neuroscience and develop ability to describe, explain and evaluate researches in these fields,
5   Will have knowledge of current topics and be able to follow recent researches in cognitive neuroscience,
6   Will be able to recognize and promote ethical practice in research and be aware of ethical issues pertaining to cognitive neuroscience,
7   Will be able to develop critical thinking, open-mindedness, reasoning and scientific thinking.

Mode of Delivery

Face -to- Face

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

None

Recomended Optional Programme Components

None

Course Contents

Week Subject Description
1 Introduction to cognitive neuroscience and a brief history of cognitive neuroscience Description, history and main topics of cognitive neuroscience
2 Cognitive development and overview of the nervous system Focus on cognitive development and functional anatomy of the central nervous system
3 Basic methods in cognitive neuroscience I: Animal studies and human neuropsychology
4 Basic methods in cognitive neuroscience II: Functional imaging studies
5 Perceptual systems I Visual system organization, object recognition, face perception etc.
6 Perceptual systems II
7 Language and brain
8 Attention and consciousness
9 Midterm
10 Executive functions Focus on subdivisions of the frontal cortex, executive functions: cognitive control, inhibition, planning, social behaviour
11 Learning and Memory: Cognitive Models and brain
12 Learning and Memory: Neuropsychology and neuroimaging studies
13 Emotion & Social Cognition
14 Hemispheric lateralization Principles of cerebral organization, communication between hemispheres

Recomended or Required Reading

1- Jamie Word (2009). The Student's Guide to Cognitive Neuroscience, 2nd Edition.
2- Michael S. Gazzaniga (2013). Cognitive Neuroscience: The Biology of the Mind. 4th Edition.
3- Recent articles

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Topics will be contentiously examined by instructor as a moderator and active participation of students.

Assessment Methods

SORTING NUMBER SHORT CODE LONG CODE FORMULA
1 MTE MIDTERM EXAM
2 FIN FINAL EXAM
3 FCGR FINAL COURSE GRADE (RESIT) MTE * 0.40 + FIN * 0.60
4 RST RESIT
5 FCGR FINAL COURSE GRADE (RESIT) MTE * 0.40 + RST * 0.60


Further Notes About Assessment Methods

None

Assessment Criteria

In total, two exams an one homework will be conducted. There will be open-ended questions in the levels of information, comprehension, analysis, interpretation and synthesis for all exams.

Language of Instruction

Turkish

Course Policies and Rules

70% attendance to the courses is compulsory

Contact Details for the Lecturer(s)

derya.emek@deu.edu.tr

Office Hours

Wednesday 13:30 - 15:00

Work Placement(s)

None

Workload Calculation

Activities Number Time (hours) Total Work Load (hours)
Lectures 14 3 42
Preparations before/after weekly lectures 14 2 28
Preparation for midterm exam 1 14 14
Preparation for final exam 1 20 20
Preparing assignments 1 15 15
Midterm 1 3 3
Final 1 3 3
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours) 125

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

PO/LOPO.1PO.2PO.3PO.4PO.5PO.6PO.7PO.8PO.9PO.10
LO.155444555
LO.2454554
LO.345555
LO.45455555
LO.544444555
LO.65544554
LO.755555554