NB Language of instruction is English
Admission requirements
N.a.
Description
The focus in MICAN is on knowledge about neuroscience methods and techniques in research context, in order to measure the biological origins of behavior, learning and emotion. In a series of two-hour sessions a range of methods and techniques will be discussed, including MRI, EEG, cognitive paradigms, genetics, saliva measures (hormones), psychophysiology (heart rate and skin conductance) and eyetracking. Many of the sessions will include a practical demonstration of the technique and software to analyze the data. Focus will be on: – type of questions that can be addressed using these techniques – do’s and don’ts – opportunities and limitations – experimental set-up – theoretical background of techniques.
The literature for each session is composed of two articles; links to full-text articles will be made available on blackboard. Students are required to read the articles and formulate discussion points about the articles before each session. During each session 3 students will be randomly selcted by the instructor te share their discussion point with the group.
The session topics are as follows:
1. Introductory session
2. Psychological experimental setup and paradigms
3. Neuro-imaging I: functional MRI, structural MRI, DTI, resting state networks
4. Neuro-imaging II: field trip to MRI scanner, safety training
5. Think aloud protocols
6. Eyetracking
7. EEG/ERP
8. Saliva measures
9. Genetics
10. Heart rate and skin conductance
The first session is an introductory session (no preparations); a short overview of cognitive and affective neuroscience methods will be provided, the outline of the course and final assignment will be discussed.
This is a 5 ECTS course. The total of 140 hours are used for the following activities:
20 hours for attending the sessions (10 sessions of 2 hours each);
40 hours preparation time for the sessions (4 hours per session, of which 3 hours are spent on reading the articles, and 1 hour is spent on formulation of the discussion point);
80 hours for the final assignment (essay).
Course objectives
To learn about methods and instruments to examine neurocognition, behavioral genetics, psychophysiology, and brain structure and function;
Scientific writing in English for Researchmaster students.
Scientific writing in Dutch (English optional) for Master students.
Mode of instruction:
Lectures and seminars.
Assessment method
Essay: 100%
Essay: Write a research proposal (max 2500 words) on ‘Klinefelter syndrome’, incorporating methods and techniques as discussed in this course. Review articles on Klinefelter syndrome will be provided. The proposal will be evaluated with regard to the degree students show knowledge about how to apply the methods and techniques in research in order to understand mechanisms of cognitive and affective neuroscience. Researchmasters write the paper in English, masterstudents write the paper in Dutch (English optional).Specific instructions for the final assignment, including evaluation criteria, will be provided. Students can retake the final assignment, however the retake essay should include new research plans. The final mark, and not the highest mark will count.
Blackboard
PDF copies of PowerPoint presentations will be made available through Blackboard
Detailed course information will be communicated by Blackboard.
Student assignments are uploaded on Blackboard.
Reading list
Part of course documents, links to full-text will be made available on Blackboard.
Registration
Please note that separate uSis registration is mandatory for lectures, seminars, exams and re-exams. Student who do not register, cannot attend courses or take exams.
Courses
Registration for the lectures of the course is possible as of 100 calendar days through 10 calendar days before the first lecture at the latest;
Registration for the seminars of the course is possible as of 100 calendar days through 10 calendar days before the first seminar at the latest.
Exams
Student must register for each exam through uSis. This is only possible until 10 calendar days before the exam. More information on exam registration
NB The exam of this course is a paper. This means that you do not have to register yourself for this exam in uSis.
Contact information
Co-ordinator: dr. S. van Rijn.
Hours: one hour after classes.