Courses

PSY 4931-U05: LEARNING, MEMORY, AND THE BRAIN
Description: This course focuses on the central themes and questions concerning how the brain supports learning and memory. We review current theories and studies in the cognitive and behavioral neuroscience of learning and memory with a focus on functional neuroimaging, patient, and animal studies. Readings, lectures, discussions, and assignments are designed to help the student figure out not only what types of learning and memory exist and how they are supported by the brain, but also how to evaluate critical papers and identify competing hypotheses. Students will be equipped to critically engage with questions such as: How does our past experience define who we are and guide future behavior? Are there different forms of learning and memory and how do they influence our actions? If there are multiple forms of learning and memory, where do they take place and do they operate independently or interact? What are the underlying neural mechanisms supporting these cognitive processes?

By the end of the semester, students will be able to discuss how the brain supports different forms of learning and memory, and have a sense of how different forms of learning and memory influence our lives.

PSY 4931-U05: NEUROBIOLOGY OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGIES
Description: This class focuses on the central themes and questions of what behavioral, cognitive, and neurobiological features characterize individuals with developmental disabilities. We will integrate theoretical perspectives, cognitive neuroscience findings, and the clinical process to understand developmental disabilities. Readings, lectures, discussions, and assignments will inform you of different developmental disabilities and how they are defined, identified, and how they affect brain function. In addition, you will learn how to critically evaluate empirical papers and identify competing hypotheses. You will be equipped to engage with questions such as: What are the behavioral features of different developmental disabilities? How do they affect normal brain function? How are different developmental disabilities defined?

By the end of the semester, students will be able to define and characterize developmental disabilities behaviorally and cognitively, and identify the neurobiological basis of different developmental disabilities.

PSY 2071-U02: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE IN THE MEDIA AND POP CULTURE
Description: This class will focus on topics in cognitive neuroscience and how the field is reflected in the media and pop culture. We will examine how the media and pop culture represent research on the brain using popular truths and untruths to discover how the brain supports cognition.

PSB 6351-U02: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE METHODS II
Description: This class focuses on cognitive neuroscience methods with an exclusive emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We will review basic properties of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, preprocessing of data, and data analysis. Readings, lectures, discussions, and assignments will help you figure out not only basic principles and best practices in both structural and functional neuroimaging but also, how to critically evaluate empirical papers and identify poor methodological practices. You will be equipped to critically engage with questions such as: What are the consequences of performing slice timing correction prior to motion correction? What is the best normalization procedure?