Fall 2026 - PSYC 386 D100
Laboratory in Human Electrophysiology (4)
Class Number: 3546
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
John Joseph McDonald
jmcd@sfu.ca
1 778 782-9802
Office: RCB 6314
Office Hours: By appointment
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Prerequisites:
PSYC 201 and 280.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to encephalographic (EEG) techniques used to record, analyze, and interpret human electrical brain activity. Provides opportunities to record EEG from individuals while they participate in computer-controlled tasks and to later measure brain activities elicited by specific events during the task (such as the presentation of an visual or auditory stimulus).
COURSE DETAILS:
Psyc 386/925
This course focuses on noninvasive techniques for studying the biological basis of behaviour in humans. Specifically, it takes an in-depth look at the theory and methods of recording electrical brain activity to study human cognition. Emphasis will be placed on the electroencephalographic (EEG) and event-related potential (ERP) techniques, but we will also introduce the magnetoencphalographic (MEG) technique. If you have ever seen medical shows on TV, you have probably seen ‘fake’ EEG. You will learn the real thing in this course. The format includes lectures (in person) and laboratory work (hands-on EEG recording; EEG data analysis).
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
In this course, students will learn how to record EEG, to understand good recording practices, to understand event-related potentials (ERPs), and to learn how to think critically about ERP research.
Grading
- Quizzes: 30%
- Assignments: 20%
- Final Assignment: 20%
- Exam: 30%
NOTES:
Materials
RECOMMENDED READING:
Luck, Steven, J. (2014). An Introduction to the Event-Related Potential Technique (2nd edition). MIT press
www.sfu.ca/bookstore/ebooks
ISBN (ebook): 9780262324069
ISBN: 9780262525855
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.