Introduction to Neuroscientific Methods and Brain Anatomy

Course manual 2019/2020

Course content

Starting from a decision-making theoretical framework this introductory course focuses on three main aspects of model-based neuroscience.

In the first part, students will receive a short introduction in the anatomy of the human brain with a focus on cortico-basal ganglia networks.The second part of the course introduces two popular neuroimaging techniques: functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG). In the third part, students will learn about the so-called `model-based approach’ where neuroscientific methods such as fMRI or EEG are combined with cognitive models that quantify latent psychological processes.

In addition, there will be one practical session where students are given the opportunity to get hands-on experience in conducting EEG research as well as one MRI data acquisition demonstration.

Objectives

By the end of the course students should be able:

1. To explain basic knowledge about neuroanatomy and model-based neuroscientific techniques.

2. To summarize and critically present recent neuroscientific articles.

3. To distinguish the advantages and pitfalls of several methods used in cognitive neuroscience.

Teaching methods

Seminars and 2 practical sessions

Learning activities

Attendance

Requirements of the programme concerning attendance (OER-B):

1. In the case of practicals, the student must attend at least 80%. Should the student attend less than 80%, he/she must redo the practical, or the Examinations Board may have one or more supplementary assignments issued.
2. In the case of study-group sessions with assignments, the student must attend at least 80% of the study-group sessions. Should the student attend less than 80%, he/she must redo the study group, or the Examinations Board may have one or more supplementary assignments issued.
3. The student must attend 80% of the teaching per study unit of the mandatory courses, entry courses and specialisation courses.

Assessment

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.

Additional information

Basic understanding of statistics and the gross anatomy of the human brain. Strong interest in cognitive processes, cognitive neurosciences and decision-making behavior.

Max. 24

Last year's course evaluation

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Contact information

Coordinator

• dr. Anneke Alkemade