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.
Contemporary cognitive and affective neuroscience makes use of a wide range of methods that are often used in combination with the more traditional tools. In addition to new technologies for measurement, cognitive and affective neuroscience methodology relies on the use of careful experimental designs, valid manipulations of psychological states and processes, and careful inference and interpretation.
In a series of two-hour sessions the concepts and principles of a range of methods and techniques will be discussed. 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.
Lecture topics include:
Cognitive paradigms and patient studies
Neuro-imaging: functional MRI, structural MRI, DTI, resting state networks
Eyetracking
EEG and ERP
EMG
Near Infrared Spectography (NIRS)
Looking paradigms
Genetics
Hormonal measures
Autonomic nervous system: heart rate and skin conductance
NB. The first lecture is an introductory session (no preparations); a short overview of cognitive and affective neuroscience methods will be provided, and the outline of the course will be discussed.
Course objectives
To learn about methods and instruments to examine neurocognition, behavioral genetics, psychophysiology, and brain structure and function
To be able to identify opportunities and limitations of these methods and techniques
To learn how to implement these methods and techniques
To be able to design experiments using these methods and techniques
To learn about analyzing and interpreting data obtained using these methods and techniques
Timetable
For the timetable of this course please refer to MyTimetable
Mode of instruction:
Lectures and seminars.
Assessment method
Exam with multiple choice and open ended questions.
Brightspace
PDF copies of PowerPoint presentations will be made available through Brightspace.
Detailed course information will be communicated by Brightspace.
Reading list
E. Harmon-Jones and J. Beer (2009). Methods in Social Neuroscience (ISBN 978-160623-040-4).
Scientific articles (links to full-text will be made available on Brightspace).
Registration
Education
It is mandatory to register for each course via uSis. This applies to both the lectures and the working groups, even if they take place online. Without a valid registration in uSis you will not be able to participate in the course and you will not have access to the Brightspace module of the course.
Exams
In addition, it is also mandatory to register separately in uSis for each exam (i.e. both the first exam opportunity and, if necessary, the resit) in uSis. This also applies to partial examinations in a course. This is possible up to 10 calendar days prior to the exam. You cannot take the exam without a valid registration in uSis.
NB If the exam concerns a paper or a practical assignment, you do not need to register in uSis.
Carefully read all information about the procedures and deadlines for registering for courses and exams.
Contact information
Co-ordinator is N. Nibbering MSc