PSY10140 Mind and Brain

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module will provide an overview of quantitative research on how the mind is implemented in the human brain. The delivered content will be based on the individual research portfolios of researchers based in the Affective Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience theme of the School of Psychology (https://www.ucd.ie/psychology/research/affectivebehaviouralcognitiveneuroscience)

Students will gain unique insights into ongoing research within the ABC-neuro theme, learning about state-of-the-art methods and experimental paradigms applied in cognitive neuroscience to understand mind and brain. Lectures will cover main functions such as memory, sleep, cognitive control, language, maths, social cognition, and tap into neurodiversity incl. dyslexia and ADHD.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the experimental methods and theories used to understand mind and brain
- Critically evaluate experimental work in this field of research
- Critically reflect on theories and models in this field of research

Indicative Module Content:

- Brief overview of methods in cognitive neuroscience
- Embodied theories of cognition and behavioural neuroscience findings
- Cognitive neuroscience and theory of high-level social cognition
- Cognitive Neuroscience of executive function
- Brain and language
- False memories and memory distortion
- Maths cognition in the brain
- Neurodiversity and Dyslexia
- Neurodiversity and ADHD
- Brain and Sleep

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Specified Learning Activities

33
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The content will be primarily delivered via lectures, complemented by self-directed learning based on required further reading for each lecture. Reflective learning will form part of the coursework assessment, where a brief research project will be proposed by each student based on the module content (see assessments) . 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PSY10060 - Brain and Behaviour


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQ that addresses the breadth of the Module, tapping into each lecture. It will contribute 49% to the overall mark. Week 12 n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

40
Essay: A 1000 word essay, where students propose a brief research project. One experiment that uses one of the discussed experimental methods and addresses a question specific to one of the lectures. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

60

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

MCQ will use automated feedback, while students will received brief individual feedback on their essay.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Nuala Brady Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Jessica Bramham Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Lauren Christophers Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Sarah Cooney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Patricia Gough Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Ciara Greene Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Flavia Santos Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 Wed 14:00 - 15:50