512-350 Brain, Cognition and Behaviour 3

512-222 or 512-224 (or equivalent)

512-220 (or equivalent)

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

Cognitive Neuropsychology. Cognitive neuropsychologists attempt to understand normal cognitive processes by examining the different ways that these processes can be impaired following brain injury. This unit examines how the cognitive neuropsychological approach has been used to develop and modify models of cognitive processing in a range of domains, including attention, object recognition, face recognition, reading, writing and memory. Case study data are drawn from extensively and students observe videos of subjects with particular patterns of neuropsychological impairment.

Laterality, Brain and Behaviour introduces some of the issues associated with human laterality research. Laterality is discussed in relation to asymmetries in lateral preference (handedness) and functional asymmetries between the cerebral hemispheres. Students become familiar with neuropsychological research and gain insight into the functional properties of the two cerebral hemispheres and how these relate to behaviour. Topics will be selected from the evolution of laterality in humans; laterality in other species; measuring lateral preference; the causes and development of handedness; handedness and its relation to other psychological functions; methods of research into cerebral laterality; clinical research; cerebral asymmetries for language and spatial processing; alternative descriptions of cerebral laterality; attention and laterality.

Human Amnesia: Neuroimaging and Clinical Perspectives. The human memory system has been studied at a number of levels, including gross anatomy, cellular physiology, neuropathology, and neuropsychology. This unit integrates information at these various levels by examining, among other things, the contributions of structural and functional neuroimaging, connectionist modelling, and clinical case studies. Students are provided with an in-depth appreciation of the human memory system, and a framework for evaluating the contribution of recent neuroscientific advances to our knowledge of human memory disorders.

Two laboratory reports each weighted at 20% and a two-hour examination weighted at 60%.

Each piece of assessment must be completed (hurdle requirement).

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.