Advanced Behavioural Neuroscience (VS1) (U03046)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PPL-4-ABNV1-PS

This course will examine current knowledge of major domains of Behavioural Neuroscience by discussing the issue of double dissociations within each one of them, including hemi-inattention, dysexecutive syndromes, apraxias and amnesias syndromes. It will introduce students to the major theoretical perspectives and the experimental evidence that has contributed to those perspectives, drawing mainly on behavioural, neuroimaging and neuroanatomical studies of brain damaged adults. Using both student-led presentations and small group discussions as well as examples in lectures, there will also be an examination of how theories of human cognition can be applied to the understanding of important aspects of the pathological brain.

The course will deal with experimental research approaches to the study of human cognitive neuroscience, focusing primarily on the use of neuropsychological experimental techniques in studies with brain damaged adults. There will be an emphasis on how such research has led to the development of cognitive theories. There will be extensive discussion of how to evaluate each of the main theories of amnesia, neglect, apraxia and executive dysfunctions using the research evidence. Conceptual theories will be considered alongside neuro-anatomical models and there will be a discussion of how behavioural data from patients and data from brain imaging techniques, such as fMRI might be complementary or conflicting.

Entry Requirements

? This course is only available to part year visiting students.

? This course is a variant of the following course : U02141

? Pre-requisites : Degree major in Psychology and passes in psychology courses at least to the equivalent of junior honours level in Edinburgh. Prior agreement with the 4th Year Honours Course Organiser: Dr. Martha Whiteman (Ext. 50 3317).

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Psychology, (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, Schedule I)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Block 2 only

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 5 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
30/10/2007	11:10	13:00

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	11:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to evaluate:
-The link between brain structures and cognitive functions
-Traditional and contemporary theories of neuropsychological disorders
-Assessment techniques in neuropsychological research
-Differential diagnosis in neuropsychology
-Traditional and modern approach to memory disorders
-Neuroimaging techniques