PSY208 – Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Core Course

PSY208 – Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience

Course Unit Code: PSY208

Type Of Unit: Compulsory 

Level of Course Unit: Undergraduate

Year of Study: Year 2

Semester: Semester 2

Number of ECTS Credits: 7.5

Class Contact Hours: 36

Mode of Delivery

Face to Face

Prerequisites

PSY205

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The course objective is to give students a basic understanding of the key ideas, theories, and techniques in cognitive neuroscience and behavioral neuroscience. With the goal of illuminating how neurological processes contribute to diverse cognitive functions and behaviors displayed by humans and other animals, this course attempts to study the complex link between brain function and behavior. Students should be able to critically assess research in the field and have a thorough understanding of the ideas underlying cognitive and behavioral neuroscience at the end of the course. 

Learning Outcomes

The following learning outcomes are expected, where students will:  

  1. Establish a solid foundational understanding of the main terms, ideas, and theories in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience. 
  2. Describe the brain mechanisms that underpin cognitive abilities and activities, including memory, perception, and emotion. 
  3. Analyze the neural processes underlying learning and memory. 
  4. Interpret research methodologies in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience. 
  5. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the connections between brain function and behavior. 

The course objective is to give students a basic understanding of the key ideas, theories, and techniques in cognitive neuroscience and behavioral neuroscience. With the goal of illuminating how neurological processes contribute to diverse cognitive functions and behaviors displayed by humans and other animals, this course attempts to study the complex link between brain function and behavior. Students should be able to critically assess research in the field and have a thorough understanding of the ideas underlying cognitive and behavioral neuroscience at the end of the course.

Week 1: Introduction to Neuroscience and Brain Structure

Week 2: Neurophysiology and Neural Communication

Week 3: Sensory and Motor Systems

Week 4: Learning and Memory

Week 5: Emotion, Motivation, and Decision-Making

Week 6: Attention and Perception

Week 7: Language and Communication

Week 8: Cognitive Control and Executive Functions

Week 9: Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders

Week 10: Research Methods in Neuroscience

Week 11: Ethical Considerations in Neuroscience

Week 11: Current Trends and Future Directions

Week 12: Case Studies and Applications

Course Features

Teaching methodology: Lecture

Assessment:

  1. Midterm & Final Exam (30% & 30%): Mid-term and final exams will be conducted covering the entire course. Both exams will include multiple-choice, short-answer, and essay questions.  
  2. Group assignment and presentation (20%): Assign group projects that involve analyzing real-life case studies related to neurological disorders or cognitive phenomena.  
  3. Individual assignments (10%): (i) Assigning problem-solving tasks that require applying neuroscientific principles to hypothetical scenarios can assess critical thinking and application skills. 
  4. Presence & Participation (10%): Students should be present and actively participate in in-class discussions. 

Readings

The latest peer-reviewed journal articles, reviews, and reputable online resources will be distributed by the lecturer throughout the course. 

Bear, M. F., Connors, B. W., & Paradiso, M. A. (2020). Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain, Enhanced Edition (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.Â