Cognitive neuroscience is the study of the functional architecture of the brain. While cognitive science has traditionally restricted itself to describing human and animal behaviour at the functional level, neuroscience has focused on the understanding of biological processes and neuroanatomical substrates. As the brain is such a complex organ, cognitive neuroscience is inherently multi-disciplinary. Therefore the course works towards an integrated understanding of information theory, cognition, neurobiology and anatomy. Cognitive Neuroscience I (UCSCICOG11) has given an introductory overview of many of the topics in cognitive neuroscience, as well how to conduct cognitive neuroscience research. Here we examine the underlying neuroscience of two aspects of mental function more closely.

This course will provide an in-depth coverage of two main research areas in cognitive neuroscience: perception and higher cognition. In order to understand and interact with our environment, the brain needs to process large amounts of sensory information. This requirement underlies the organization of most of the cerebral cortex. Higher cognitive functions use sensory information to become aware of physical and social circumstances, to store and access information and to have thoughts and feelings. These functions underpin all aspects of human behaviour. In order to get insight in the neurobiological aspects of human behaviour we will focus on neurological patients, non-invasive brain imaging techniques and animals models where the underlying neurobiology is better understood than in humans.

Format
The course will be organized according to the two subject areas, Perception and Higher Cognition. Within these topics, lectures will provide an in-depth overview of the brain mechanisms involved. Giving an in-depth oral presentation of a specific topic will enable the students to carry out an elaborate literature search and convey this information to their peers. In addition, the students will be required to research, design, conduct, analyse and report on a simple experiment in one of these areas. Finally, understanding of the course material will be tested in midterm and final exams.