Core Module Information
Module title: Brain and Cognition

SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: PSY09114
Module leader: Nikos Gkekas
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Psychology
Prerequisites

Requisites: ( Pre-requisite: [Module PSY08101] Cognitive Psychology 1 OR Pre-requisite: [Module PSY08103] Biological Foundations of Behaviour)

Description of module content:

In this module, you will build on and bring together knowledge of cognitive processes (such as perception, attention, memory, executive function, language, and social behaviour), and the brain mechanisms that support them. Throughout this module you will gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between the brain and cognitive processes, as well as a greater appreciation of how various disorders (such as visual agnosia and amnesia) can help us to understand "normal" cognitive function. You will also learn about the different methodological approaches used in this multi-disciplinary area (e.g., behavioural experiments, patient case studies, functional brain imaging, and event related potentials). There is an emphasis throughout this module on critical engagement with the course materials, which aims to provide a firm framework within which to develop critical reading, writing, and thinking skills, all of which should prove useful for your future career.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Assess contemporary theories of a range of cognitive processes, considering their historical roots, explanatory power, and empirical support.

LO2: Evaluate the relative contribution of the different methodological approaches used in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience.

LO3: Critically examine research findings and methodologies to identify a novel research question or approach with a suitable research methodology.

LO4: Describe and theorise about the potential impact of the proposed research in terms of current knowledge

LO5: Present as a group and engage in debate on a contemporary topic in cognition.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Nikos Gkekas
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 22 Lectures (2 hours per week) will cover several important themes in cognition research, and will be interactive, requiring active participation.
Online GROUPSCHEDULED 6 You will be allocated to groups and informed of a research article that that you will present to your peers during student-led seminars. You should meet as a group and divide the presentation with each member contributing in an agreed-upon manner.
Face To Face Tutorial 10 Small group tutorials will use group discussion to enhance engagement, negotiation and co-operation and confidence.
Online Guided independent study 162 LOs 1-2 develop your critical understanding of theoretical and applied advances in cognition research. LOs 3-5 develop your skills in critical reading and synthesis of information, applying appropriate methodology to a research question, and identifying potential impact of the research on our knowledge. LO 6 will develop your group-working and debating skills.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 60 3~4 12 , WORDS= 2000 words You will be required to submit a 2000-word research proposal in week 12 (60%), similar to what would be required if you were submitting a grant application to a funding body. In addition to satisfying the learning outcomes of the module, this report and feedback will be useful for developing you dissertation topic proposal and writing you dissertation ethics proposal. You will not be asked to conduct any actual research based on this proposal.
Oral Presentation 30 5 11 HOURS= 20 minutes Group presentation on a research paper. Presentations should last 20 minutes, followed by a class discussion led by you and your peers. Groups will present once, in one of the following weeks: 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, or 11.
Report 10 1~2 11 , WORDS= 1000 words You will write reaction pieces for all papers except for the one that you present (five in total). These papers are up-to-date applied research on lecture topics and thus help to develop your understanding of the linkage between research and practice. Reaction pieces will be required from you in five out of the following weeks: 4, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
PSY09114 Brain and Cognition