512-330 Human Psychophysiology 3

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

512-222 (or equivalent)

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject comprises four units. Only two units will be offered in any one year.

Cognitive neuroscience of attention and consciousness examines the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying attention and consciousness in humans. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of convergent methodologies, including brain imaging (EEG, fMRI, PET), neuropsychological patient studies, psychophysical techniques, and single-neuron recordings. Topics include the cognitive and neural correlates of selective attention; mechanisms of binding information across sensory modalities; perception and action; disorders of attention, object recognition and consciousness (spatial neglect, agnosia, blindsight); implicit and unconscious information processing; neural correlates of conscious experience; neural representations of the self and external space; and cognitive neuroscience models of attention and consciousness.

The physiology and psychology of sleep unit provides students with a basic understanding of the nature of sleep. Topics include basic sleep phenomenology; the neurophysiology and neuropharmacology of sleep; regulatory controls exerted by sleep; sleep disorders; theories as to the functional significance of sleep and the nature of dreams.

The physiological bases of emotion (not offered in 2001) covers a variety of topics relevant to the biological bases of emotions including theoretical approaches to the relationship of physiological and emotional phenomena; neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and neurochemistry of emotional networks in the human brain; somatovisceral substrates of emotion; and facial expression of emotion.

Functional imaging of the human brain (not offered in 2001) covers issues relating to the measurement of brain function and its relationship to cognitive processes. While the majority of the unit will deal with EEG, other imaging technologies such as functional MRI, PET and SPECT will also be covered.

Assessment

Laboratory reports of no more than 2000 words (40%) and an examination of no more than 2 hours (60%).

Attendance at 80% or more of the laboratory classes is a hurdle requirement. (In case of failure to meet the hurdle requirement, additional work will be required before a passing grade can be awarded).