The Integrated Brain

Course manual 2022/2023

Course content

Many disciplines have contributed to increasing the knowledge about brains and cognition. For example, we understand the mechanisms underlying several neural and cellular processes. At the same time, we know very much about the behavior and cognitive processes at the individual level and larger brain systems. However, the integration between this micro and macro level is often lacking. This course focuses on two approaches to bridging this gap. The first (vertical integration) explores which neuronal, and network mechanisms facilitate perception and other cognitive processes. The second approach (horizontal integration) studies how functional units at the same level (e.g., brain regions) work together to implement a particular perceptual or cognitive process.

We will offer an integrated view of neural and cognitive processes and methodological techniques used to study the brain,  discussed previously in introductory courses. Examples of topics include perception, decision-making, and attention. In addition to lectures, there will be tutorials and working groups in which students will explore the subject matter in depth by reading, interpreting, discussing, and researching the literature. At the end of the course, the students give a presentation about their literature study.

Objectives

• Be able to describe the physiological organization of the brain as a hierarchy of interacting systems (synapse > cell > circuit > macroscopic network).
• Be able to explain how certain complex physiological processes are produced by these interactions (e.g., brain waves, neuromodulation, predictive processing).
• Be able to explain how certain cognitive processes depend on physiological organization and associated processes (e.g., visual perception, decision making, free will).
• Be able to explain which, modern research techniques are appropriate to answer specific questions from cognitive/systemic neuroscience.
• To be able to critically read literature from cognitive neuroscience, and to indicate where possible pitfalls lie with regard to, for example, misinterpretations, or methodological problems.
• Present studied literature and own critical conclusions to fellow students in a clear and interactive manner.

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Presentation/symposium
• Self-study
• Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis
• Supervision/feedback meeting
• Seminar

Lectures are the core part of the course. In addition, we will discuss several concepts concerning brain mechanisms at multiple scales and the consequences of their functioning.

During the seminars, the student will work in groups. Then, assisted by a supervisor, they will choose a paper from a predefined list, critically assess their findings, think into a broader question, and propose a study addressing the question at a different level.

The students will present the results of their work during a presentation session that will be evaluated.

The students will work independently to prepare the lectures, evaluate the supplementary material, and prepare the seminars.

Learning activities

Attendance

Programme's requirements concerning attendance (OER-B):

• Participation in all practical (computer) sessions, field work and seminars in the curriculum is obligatory. Any additional requirements are described per component in the study guide. Here is also described what the possible consequences are of not complying with this obligation.
  

Assessment

Assignments

The assignment is based on searching, reading, interpreting scientific literature, discussing this material, and presenting a literature study (see above).

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Exit qualifications

Via de Zichtbare Leerlijnen Creator kun je zien aan welke eindtermen de leerdoelen van deze cursus bijdragen en hoe de  vakleerdoelen, leerlijndoelen en eindtermen van de opleiding aan elkaar gekoppeld zijn:

https://datanose.nl/#program[BSc%20PB]/outcomes 

https://datanose.nl/#program[BSc%20PB]/trajectories

Processed student feedback

Hieronder vind je de aanpassingen in de opzet van het vak naar aanleiding van de vakevaluaties.

Dit jaar is de cursus ingekort van 12 tot 6EC. Er is nog geen vakevaluatie voor deze 6EC cursus beschikbaar.

Contact information

Coordinator

• C.A. Bosman Vittini