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.
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.
Seminars:
Neuro-imaging: field trip to MRI scanner, safety training
Eyetracking: designing and interpreting eyetracking experiments using Tobii Studio
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
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
Course
Students need to register for lectures in uSis. It is not possible to take a course without a valid registration.
Exam
Students are not automatically registered for exams. They can register themselves in uSis until 10 calendar days before the exam date at the latest. Students who are not registered will not be permitted to take the exam.
Please consult the course and exam registration website for information on registration periods and further instructions.
Contact information
Co-ordinator: Nienke Bouw MSc.