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PSYED502 – Cognitive Neuroscience in Educational Psychology

MSc in Educational Psychology – Distance Learning

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Core Course

PSYED502 – Cognitive Neuroscience in Educational Psychology

Course Unit Code: PSYED502

Type Of Unit: Distance Learning

Level of Course Unit: Postgraduate

Year of Study: Year 1

Semester: Semester 1

Number of ECTS Credits: 10

Class Contact Hours: 12

Mode of Delivery

Distance Learning

Prerequisites

No

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This course introduces students to Cognitive Neuroscience in Educational Psychology, a field that integrates cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and education. Students will learn about the basic anatomy and function of the brain, neuroplasticity and its role in learning, and tools used to study cognitive processes. Through assignments and lecture discussions, students will critically examine whether understanding brain changes during learning can guide the development of learning strategies and teaching methods that offer real educational benefits.

The Study Guide supports students in their study process and serves as a reference point between the course teacher and the students. It complements the required literature and additional assignments provided during the semester.

Students will engage in thirteen thematic units requiring critical reflection, debate, and question formulation, with opportunities for discussion during consultation meetings.

Each thematic section includes: Purpose, Theoretical Background, Learning Objectives, Key Concepts, Useful Study Resources, Questions for Reflection and Critical Thinking, and Estimated Study Time.

General Objectives of the Course

Through this course, students will explore:

  • Major structures of the brain

  • Neuroplasticity and its connection to learning

  • Relationships between learning, sleep, emotions, and exercise

  • Teaching approaches informed by brain development research aimed at enhancing learning

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the course, students are expected to:

  • Learn about the major brain structures

  • Understand differences in brain development at various age stages

  • Understand the concept of neuroplasticity

  • Learn about how sleep, exercise, and emotions relate to neuroplasticity and learning

  • Critically evaluate whether educational programs at different stages align with appropriate stages of brain development

Introductory Note

THEMATIC UNIT 1: Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience in Educational Psychology
THEMATIC UNIT 2: Imaging Techniques in Neuroscience
1st Tele-meeting

THEMATIC UNIT 3: Brain Development during the Fetal Stage
THEMATIC UNIT 4: Neurons, Neurotransmitters, and Neuroplasticity of the Brain
2nd Tele-meeting

THEMATIC UNIT 5: Introduction to Brain Structure
THEMATIC UNIT 6: Intelligence and Neuroplasticity
3rd Tele-meeting

THEMATIC UNIT 7: Sleep, Memory, and Learning
THEMATIC UNIT 8: Emotions and Learning
4th Tele-meeting

THEMATIC UNIT 9: Brain, Arts, and Emotional Control
THEMATIC UNIT 10: Exercise, Neuroplasticity, and Learning
5th Tele-meeting

THEMATIC UNIT 11: Development of Educational Practices During Childhood
THEMATIC UNIT 12: Development of Educational Practices During Adolescence
6th Tele-meeting

Course Features

Tele-meetings

Six two-hour tele-meetings will be held with the course instructor throughout the semester. These meetings support deeper discussions, clarify questions, and promote active participation.

Before each meeting, students must review materials posted on the University of Limassol online platform, complete reflection questions for each thematic unit, and prepare additional questions for plenary discussion.

Assessment

  • 10% – Five interactive activities (2% each)

  • 20% – Individual assignment

  • 20% – Group assignment

  • 50% – Final examination

To sit the final exam, all intermediate requirements must be completed. A minimum overall grade of 55% is required to pass.

Readings

  • Ansari, D., Coch, D., & De Smedt, B. (2011). Connecting Education and Cognitive Neuroscience: Where will the journey take us? Educational Philosophy and Theory, 43(1), 37–42. DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-5812.2010.00705.x
  • Goswami, U. (2004). Neuroscience and education. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 74, 1–14.
  • Lyman, L. (2016). Brain Science for Principals: What School Leaders Need to Know. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield

Call Center

CYPRUS

GREECE

INTERNATIONAL

Request Information Request Information ⟶

Informed Consent Form

Dear Participant,

You are invited to participate in a survey as part of the DiFiCy – Digital Transformation and FinTech: Shaping Cyprus’s Economy research project which is implemented by the University of Limassol, PwC Cyprus and Unity Growth Limited.

The project is co-funded by the European Union within the framework of the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA 2021-2027” through the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) in Cyprus [Pr. number: EXCELLENCE/0524/0568].

The study has been approved by the National Bioethics Committee of Cyprus (Approval no.: EEBK EΠ 2025.01.19 )

This project explores digital transformation and FinTech adoption in Cyprus, with a particular focus on SMEs and the broader business ecosystem. It uses a mixed-methods research design, combining survey data with interviews and case study evidence to generate evidence-based insights for policymakers and businesses.

Before deciding whether to participate, please read the following information carefully.

Purpose of Participation

The purpose of this research is to better understand the drivers, challenges, and impacts of digital transformation and FinTech adoption in Cyprus. The findings aim to support evidence-based policymaking, strengthen business practices, and contribute to innovation and economic development.

Your participation involves the following:

Completion of this survey, which takes approximately 15 minutes.

Invitation to take part in an optional interview.

Contribution to a case study or discussion session at a later stage.

Your participation is entirely voluntary, and you are free to decline or withdraw at any time without any consequences.

If you wish to withdraw from the study after submitting your responses, you may do so by contacting the Project Coordinator.

Data Confidentiality and Usage

All data collected will be handled in strict accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Cyprus Data Protection Law (125(I)/2018).

Your data will be treated confidentially, pseudonymised and anonymised, and no personally identifiable information will be disclosed. Data will be securely stored and accessed only by authorised members of the research team. In some cases, qualitative data may be processed using machine learning techniques, such as keyword identification or pattern detection, strictly to support analysis; however, all interpretation and conclusions will be made by the researchers.

Aggregated and anonymised findings derived from the data (e.g., statistical summaries, graphs, and thematic insights) may be used for dissemination activities, including scientific publications, policy reports, infographics, and training materials. These outputs will not contain any information that could directly or indirectly identify participants or their organisations.

Anonymised data may be shared publicly after a 24-month embargo period, while raw or sensitive data will not be publicly available. Access to raw or sensitive data will be granted only upon justified request and consortium approval.

Your participation in this study does not involve any risks.

On the contrary, your contribution may help improve digital and FinTech policies, support SME development and innovation strategies, and enhance the overall business environment in Cyprus.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, withdraw requests or complaints, please contact the Project Coordinator, Dr. Snezana Eminidou. Please include “DiFiCy Survey” in the subject line.

Email: snezana@uol.ac.cy

Phone number: +357 22462228

Partnership:

Thank you for your valuable contribution to this research.

The project is co-funded by the EU within the framework of the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA 2021-2027” through the Research and Innovation Foundation. [Pr. no. EXCELLENCE/0524/0568]. The content reflects the views of the author(s) only. The European Commission and the Managing Authority of THALIA 2021–2027 cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.