Introduction to Neuroscientific Methods and Brain Anatomy

Course manual 2021/2022

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 an 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 model-based approach where neuroscientific methods such as fMRI or EEG are combined with cognitive models that quantify latent psychological processes.

Study materials

Literature

• Scientific articles, will be announced via Canvas.

  Book: An introduction to Model-Based Cognitive Neuroscience. Springer: New York. B. U. Forstmann, & E.-J. Wagenmakers (Eds).

Other

• Lecture slides will be made available on Canvas after the lecture.

Objectives

• Demonstrate basic knowledge about neuroanatomy and (model-based) neuroscientific techniques
• Demonstrate knowledge of current psychological and neurobiological theories of human (perceptual) decision making
• Distinguish the advantages and pitfalls of several methods used in cognitive neuroscience
• Compare and contrast studies pursuing the same research aims with different methodologies and perspectives
• Critically discuss current research in cognitive neuroscience
• Assess the potential of interdisciplinary approaches in cognitive neuroscience

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Presentation/symposium
• Self-study

This course teaches the basic principles of important neuroimaging techniques and how they are used in combination with anatomical and functional studies, and cognitive models in order to advance our understanding in the field of decision making. This is done by providing lectures on a variety of topics, creating a strong theoretical basis needed to understand and interpret scientific literature. Presentations given by students are used to achieve a thorough analysis of the literature. 

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.

Additional requirements for this course:

Attendance is compulsory. Students are allowed to miss one of mini-quiz, which are given at the start of each lecture. If there is any reason why the student cannot attend, he/she should communicate this to the teacher or course coordinator. 

Assessment

The overall assessment is based on:

• mini-exams during class (10%)
• presentation of a research paper (30%)
• a written exam at the end of the course (60%)

The minimum grade required for the individual partials is 5.5.

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