Brain Imaging, 7.5 Credits

Contents

Contents The course treats functional brain imaging, with a specific focus on fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging), from both a theoretical and practical perspective.

Expected learning outcomes

Expected learning outcomes
 
Knowledge and understanding
 
Students who successfully complete this course are expected to:
 

•  Be able to account for the of strengths and weaknesses of various brain imaging methods

•  Be able to account for the physical and physiological basis of fMRI measurements

•  Be able to account for how fMRI data are prepared for analyses, and describe different ways to analyze fMRI data

•  Be able to account for different ways to design an fMRI experiment in relation to various questions on brain function

•  Have cursory knowledge of in what way structural brain imaging can inform questions on brain function

•  Have cursory knowledge of how integration of various forms of brain imaging data can inform questions on brain          function

Skill and ability

•   Demonstrate the ability to formulate their own research question about brain function, and to design an experiment addressing this question
•   Orally and in writing communicate their experimental designs  

Evaluation ability and approach
 

•  Demonstrate insight about possibilities and limitations for different brain imaging techniques and analysis methods for addressing questions about brain function

•  Critically discuss and evaluate how well different experimental designs for fMRI answer specific questions regarding brain function

•  Identify personal gaps of knowledge and use relevant scientific literature to fill these

Required knowledge
Cognitive Neuroscience I and II (3KO000, 3KO001), or corresponding knowledge acquired otherwise. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and no individual score below 5.5. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum score of 575 and a minimum TWE score of 4.5). TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum score of 90 and a minimum score of 20 on the Writing Section).  

Focus of instruction
The course is conducted on part time basis (100%). To facilitate distance learning, teaching will be organized around 4-6 occasions (each occasion can include several lectures, seminars, etc, placed on more than one day) in the form of lectures, seminars, projects, and laboratory exercises. In between these occasions, the student is expected to, beyond personal studies, work on projects, compile the literature in an examining paper, and prepare for seminars. Teaching will be in English.

Required Knowledge

Admitted to the Masters program in cognitive science or 90 ECTS whereof at least 15 ECTS in cognitive neuroscience, and proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.

Examination modes

Examination modes
Examination will be in the form of a written report, as well as through active participation in seminar and project presentation discussions. If participation at seminars are omitted or failed, it shall be replaced by a written summary of the material corresponding to the student's commitments at the seminars.