Fall 2022 - PSYC 386 D100

Laboratory in Behavioural Neuroscience (4)

Class Number: 3380

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 13, 2022
    Tue, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    John Joseph McDonald
    jmcd@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-9802
  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201 and 280.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An overview of techniques used for studying the biological basis of behaviour in humans and animals. Examines the logic and limitations of specific research methods. Provides an opportunity to master a set of techniques and to conduct supervised research projects in the laboratory.

COURSE DETAILS:

Lectures will be remote and asynchronous but scheduled meeting times will be used for tests when needed.  Labs will be held in person during the scheduled meeting times.

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 as well as lecture screencasts available on canvas) and laboratory work (hands-on EEG recording, if possible; 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%
  • Exam: 30%
  • Final Assignment: 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Textbook: 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

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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