Core Module Information
Module title: Brain and Cognition (Singapore-MDIS)

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

Module code: PSY09702
Module leader: Alex McIntyre
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Psychology
Prerequisites

Requisites:

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: Deliver a presentation that engages in debate on a contemporary topic in cognition.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, Blended,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Blended
Location of delivery: SINGAPORE
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Alex McIntyre
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. The lectures will be interactive, requiring active student participation.
Face To Face Tutorial 10 In small tutorial groups, each week you will review and discuss a research article. You will use one of these articles as the basis of your video recorded presentation. You will use group discussion to enhance engagement, communication and confidence.
Online Guided independent study 168 LOs 1-2 develop your critical understanding of theoretical and applied advances in cognition research. LOs 3-4 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.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Oral Presentation 40 1~2~5 Week 11 HOURS= 15 minutes You will be required to prepare a video recorded presentation on a research paper. Your presentations should last 15 minutes and should demonstrate LOs 1, 2, 5.
Report 60 3~4 Week 12 , WORDS= 2000 words You will be required to submit a 2000-word research proposal in week 12, 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 your Final Honours Project proposal and writing your Final Honours ethics proposal. You will not be asked to conduct any actual research based on this proposal.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100
2026/7, Trimester 2, Blended,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 002
Primary mode of delivery: Blended
Location of delivery: SINGAPORE
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Alex McIntyre
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. The lectures will be interactive, requiring active student participation.
Face To Face Tutorial 10 In small tutorial groups, each week you will review and discuss a research article. You will use one of these articles as the basis of your video recorded presentation. You will use group discussion to enhance engagement, communication and confidence.
Online Guided independent study 168 LOs 1-2 develop your critical understanding of theoretical and applied advances in cognition research. LOs 3-4 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.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Oral Presentation 40 1~2~5 Week 11 HOURS= 15 minutes You will be required to prepare a video recorded presentation on a research paper. Your presentations should last 15 minutes and should demonstrate LOs 1, 2, 5.
Report 60 3~4 Week 12 , WORDS= 2000 words You will be required to submit a 2000-word research proposal in week 12, 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 your Final Honours Project proposal and writing your Final Honours ethics proposal. You will not be asked to conduct any actual research based on this proposal.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Contact your module leader