Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - PSYC 382 D100

Cognitive Neuroscience (3)

Class Number: 4338

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2017
    Sat, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201, 221, and 280.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the neurophysiological bases of cognitive and perceptual phenomena such as memory, attention, language, thinking, imagery, vision, audition, and sensory processes. The study of human cognitive performance with measurement techniques such as ERP, PET, and MRI is also discussed.

COURSE DETAILS:

The goal of this course is to learn about how the human experience emerges from brain activity, which is a question still open to further research and interpretation. The course begins with a brief historical overview and a discussion of the most common and fruitful methodologies used to examine how the brain mediates cognitive function (e.g., EEG, MRI, PET, fMRI, and effects of brain damage). This will provide the foundation necessary to delve into a critical evaluation of questions such as: Do the right and left brain really have different roles and strengths in determining one’s skill set and perception? How does information from seeing, hearing, and touching an object get stitched together into one unified sensory experience? Where and how are memories stored and how can we get the information we need out of storage at the right time? How does the autistic brain process information differently? How much of the brain’s information processing are we aware of?

Grading

  • Assignments: 30%
  • Midterms (2 exams 20% each): 40%
  • Final Exam (cumulative): 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Gazzaniga, M. S., Ivry, R. B., & Mangun, G. R. (2013). Cognitive neuroscience: The biology of the mind (4th edition). New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS