Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 25/26.P.2.00

Description Period: 2025./26 academic year pavasara semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Introduction to Neuroscience

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_366
Branch of Science
Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Biology; Clinical Pharmacy; Communication Science; Life Science; Medical Technologies; Medicine; Pharmacy; Psychology; Public Health
LQF
All Levels
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Agnese Ušacka
Structure Unit Manager
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts

Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

Provide students with a systematic and conceptually integrated introduction to neuroscience, developing understanding of the structure of the nervous system, operational principles and key subsectors of neuroscience, as well as developing the ability to link theoretical knowledge with modern research approaches and simplified interpretation of empirical data.

Preliminary Knowledge

Psychobiology and neuropsychology

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Describe the structure and basic principles of the nervous system and name and describe key subsectors of neuroscience.

2.Explains the neurobiological basics of psychiatric processes (e.g. attention, memory, emotion).

3.Describes the main neuroscience research methods (e.g. EEG, fMRI).

4.Sets out the importance of neuroscience in terms of health and behaviour.

Skills

1.Structure and explain information about brain function and apply theoretical knowledge to practical examples.

2.Interprets examples of neuroscience data (including EEG/ERP).

3.Analyses scientific literature in neuroscience.

4.Compares different approaches to neuroscience and their application.

Competences

1.Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of basic principles of neuroscience in the context of human behaviour and health.

2.Critical assessments are made of information about brain function and how it is interpreted.

3.Integrate knowledge from different sub-sectors of neuroscience into a single perspective.

4.Use basic knowledge to support conclusions on biological mechanisms of psychiatric processes.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work
50.00% from total grade
10 points

Students prepare an individual presentation (about 10 minutes) on one of the neuroscience topics discussed in the study course. The presentation should be based on scientific literature and include an explanation of the chosen topic, a presentation of key concepts, as well as examples illustrating the relationship to psychiatric processes or health context. Students demonstrate the ability to present information in a structured and clear manner during the presentation, as well as to answer questions and engage in discussion.

The presentation will be evaluated against the following criteria:

  1. understanding the subject and accuracy of knowledge
  2. were able to structure and clearly present information
  3. The use and interpretation of scientific information
  4. was able to link theory to examples (e.g. behaviour, health, research)
  5. critical thinking elements
  6. quality of presentation (visual presentation, clarity, time observance)

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination
50.00% from total grade
10 points

Final test - The task of interpreting neuroscience data

The test takes place in RSU computer classes within e-learning environments. Students are offered simplified examples of neuroscience data (e.g. EEG/ERP schedules, brief study descriptions) on the basis of which results should be interpreted, questions on observed effects answered and conclusions drawn on related cognitive processes.

The task of interpreting neuroscience data will be assessed against the following criteria:

  1. ability to identify relevant data characteristics (e.g. signal changes, amplitude, latency)
  2. ability to correctly interpret neuroscience data (e.g. EEG/ERP examples)
  3. ability to link data to psychological processes
  4. ability to analyze and substantiate conclusions based on information provided
  5. elements of critical thinking (e.g. consideration of alternative explanations, understanding of limitations)
  6. clarity of responses, logicality and precision of terminology usage

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Introduction to Neuroscience
Description

Definition, development, main directions, interdisciplinarity of neuroscience.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Nervous system organisation
Description

CNS and PNS, key structures of the brain and their functions

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Neural operation and synaptic transmission
Description

Electrical and chemical signal transmission, neurotransmitters

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Research methods in neuroscience

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Cognitive neuroscience: neurophysiological basis of higher and lower-level cognitive functions.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Affective Neuroscience
Description

Emotions, stress, motivation

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Social Neuroscience
Description

Social perception, empathy, social behaviour

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Clinical Neuroscience/Neuropsychology
Description

Brain damage, cognitive impairment, mental health

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Behavioural and molecular neuroscience
Description

Genetics, hormones, neurochemistry, animal models

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Neuroscience in Health Sciences
Description

Lifestyle, brain health, ageing

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Future directions in Neuroscience
Description

Artificial Intelligence, personalized Medicine, Open questions

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Laboratory
2

Topics

Introduction to the acquisition of brain activity data by EEG method; Analysis and interpretation of EEG data; Cognitive process Neuroscience (mini-experiment); Student presentations (independent work); Data interpretation and critical thinking tasks

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Computer room
2

Topics

Introduction to the acquisition of brain activity data by EEG method; Analysis and interpretation of EEG data; Cognitive process Neuroscience (mini-experiment); Student presentations (independent work); Data interpretation and critical thinking tasks

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Introduction to the acquisition of brain activity data by EEG method; Analysis and interpretation of EEG data; Cognitive process Neuroscience (mini-experiment); Student presentations (independent work); Data interpretation and critical thinking tasks

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Introduction to the acquisition of brain activity data by EEG method; Analysis and interpretation of EEG data; Cognitive process Neuroscience (mini-experiment); Student presentations (independent work); Data interpretation and critical thinking tasks

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Computer room
2

Topics

Introduction to the acquisition of brain activity data by EEG method; Analysis and interpretation of EEG data; Cognitive process Neuroscience (mini-experiment); Student presentations (independent work); Data interpretation and critical thinking tasks
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Purves, D., Augustine, G. J., Fitzpatrick, D., Hall, W., LaMantia, A. S., & White, L. (2019). Neurosciences. De Boeck Supérieur.

2.

Amthor, F., Theibert, W. A. B., Standaert, D. G., & Roberson, E. (2020). Essentials of Modern Neuroscience. McGraw Hill Professional.

3.

Ward, J. (2020). The student's guide to cognitive neuroscience. Psychology press, NY.

4.

Higgins, E. S., & George, M. S. (2018). Neuroscience of clinical psychiatry: the pathophysiology of behavior and mental illness. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Additional Reading

1.

Collins, S. (2019). Neuroscience for learning and development: How to apply neuroscience and psychology for improved learning and training. Kogan Page Publishers.

2.

Ochsner, K., & Kosslyn, S. M. (Eds.). (2013). The Oxford handbook of cognitive neuroscience, Volume 2: The cutting edges (Vol. 2). Oxford University Press.

3.

Wixted, J. T., & Thompson-Schill, S. L. (2018). Stevens' Handbook of Experimental Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Language and Thought (Vol. 3). John Wiley & Sons.

4.

Gazzaniga, M. S. (2014). The cognitive neurosciences. MIT press.

5.

Zelazo, P. D., Carlson, S. M., Kesek, A., Nelson, C. A., & Luciana, M. (2008). Handbook of developmental cognitive neuroscience.

6.

Osaka, N., Logie, R. H., Logie, R., & D'Esposito, M. (Eds.). (2007). The cognitive neuroscience of working memory. Oxford University Press, USA.