Course content

Relevant biological and cognitive models for psychopathologies, such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety and depression, pain disorders, schizophrenia and psychosis, drug addiction and psychopharmacology. This is complemented by relevant basic subjects, such as perception, language functions, emotions, consciousness and executive functions, sleep, learning and plasticity as well as basic neurobiology, methods and neuroanatomy.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The student has advanced theoretical, empirical and applied knowledge within cognitive neuroscience, this includes to

• describe the most important brain areas that are linked to cognitive and affective functions
• explain functional networks
• explain basic psychopharmacological principles and be able to describe key neurotransmitters and neuromodulators
• explain strengths and weaknesses with the most commonly used methods in cognitive neuroscience
• explain the cognitive outcome of damage to specific brain areas
• account for neuroscientific approaches to mental health (computational psychiatry)
• explain biological models for mental disorders

Skills:

The student can

• prepare discussions by searching scientific databases for relevant literature
• use knowledge of the subject's methods and themes to summarize current research in cognitive neuroscience
• analyze and relate critically to theories, methods and research results within cognitive neuroscience, i.e. explain basic aspects that cover relationships between structure and function
• analyze and apply knowledge from cognitive neuroscience in new areas within psychological research and practice.

General competence:

The candidate can

• use knowledge from cognitive neuroscience to contribute to professional innovation.
• communicate about and convey knowledge about cognitive neuroscience both to other professional groups, specialists and the general public.
• participate in academic discussions about current research questions in cognitive and affective neuroscience
• demonstrate an understanding of the importance of a neuroscientific basis for future psychological practice.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminares, practical exercises. Practical exercises will be in groups

The lectures are taught in Norwegian, but some lectures will be held in English

Compulsory assignments

• Lab exercise or practical exercise

Required previous knowledge

PSY1122/PSYK4122 and PSY1123/PSYK4123 and PSY1111/PSYK4111 or equivalent

Credit reductions