PSYK1700 Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience Course description

The course introduces the neurological basis of cognition and basal knowledge of cognitive psychology. Cognitive psychology deals with attention, sensing, perception, acts, linguistic processes, problem-solving, thinking, learning and memory.

Admission to the programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student can

• explain of the neurobiological basis of behaviour
• describe the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, including their structure and main functions
• describe with signal transfers in the brain and signal substances
• describe methods used to study the brain, brain damage and effects on behaviour
• describe key elements of cognitive psychology (such as memory, decision making, and attention)

Skills

The student can

• use knowledge of cognitive psychology to explain phenomena that involve human thinking and behaviour

Competence

The student can

• use knowledge of cognitive psychology in connection with planning, rationalization etc.

Work and teaching methods used in the course are lectures and self-study. Seminars will also be held where the students present subject matter in groups. Participation in these seminars is compulsory. Students will present texts from the syllabus and encourage discussion, and will receive supervision relating to guidance on further reading. During the course, the students will give four presentations related to key topics in the syllabus. The topics will be set by the lecturer.

The students’ learning outcomes will be documented through presentations and the examination.

To prepare for the examination must the following obtain approved:

• Participation at the seminars (minimum 80%)
• Presentation of given subject matter

Supervised individual written examination, four hours.

None

Grade scale A-F

One internal and one external examiner

Five ECTS overlap with the course PSYK1310 (15 ECTS) in neuroscience.