Social Cognitive Neuroscience

Structure and Content

This course will cover the following topics:

Research Methods in Social Cognitive Neuroscience.
Introduces students to the basic principles that underlie the signals measured in fMRI and EEG, and provides a practical understanding of how neuroimaging can be applied to different areas of social cognition. The course also provides an understanding of issues of design and analysis which are specific to neuroimaging research. The aim is to stimulate critical thinking about experimental design and hypothesis testing in neuroimaging, and to promote a practical understanding of data analysis.

Experimental Programming for Social Cognitive Neuroscience
This course will equip students with basic programming skills useful in conducting research in functional imaging.

Theoretical Perspectives in Social Cognitive Neuroscience
Demonstrates how neuroimaging has contributed to our understanding of different areas of social neuroscience and shows how neuroimaging techniques complement other methods in cognitive neuroscience. Topics include: the self, theory of mind, person perception, face processing, emotion.

Brain Function and Malfunction
Provides students with an overview of brain anatomy.

Thesis in Social Cognitive Neuroscience
Students will choose from a range of available projects in social cognitive neuroscience.

Assessment

The programme is assessed by written examination, oral examination, assignments and thesis (MSc). Each course is assessed by a mixture of continuous assessment, oral presentations and written examination. The research project is assessed by thesis, oral examination and poster presentation.

Dedication

12 months, full-time.