Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Introduction to Neuroscience
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 an in-depth insight into neuroscience; develop student's understanding of well-established theories that explain the neurophysiological foundations of the mind; explore possible research methods of the biology of the mind and the potential application of the acquired knowledge in various professional fields.
Preliminary Knowledge
Students must have at least some knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Students will gain an understanding of the brain's developmental processes, its structure and function as it relates to mental processes. Students will gain knowledge of how cognitive functions emerge in the brain and how the brain's pathology leads to dysfunctions of the mind. Students will have an understanding of research methods in neuroscience and how research results are applied (e.g. in information technology, medicine, economics and other fields).
Skills
1.Students are able to describe the structure and function of the brain, its development. Students are able to identify how brain activity results in cognitive functions and what factors can influence them. Students have developed skills to navigate the neuroscience literature, critically evaluate it and make conclusions based on reasonable arguments.
Competences
1.Students are able to use the acquired knowledge both in further studies, for example, master's or doctoral studies, and in professional areas - in academic settings, research and clinical settings.
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Individual work |
-
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-
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1) Students prepare a short presentation (around 10min long) about one of the lecture topics (determines 50% of the final grade).
2) Final assessment - open-ended question exam (determines 50% of the final grade).
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Examination
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Title
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% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Examination |
-
|
-
|
|
1) In the presentations, students' level of understanding and knowledge about the chosen topic will be assessed; their ability to critically analyse and evaluate information related to the topic and the ability to create a clear and concise presentation will be assessed.
2) In the exam, students' level of understanding and knowledge will be assessed; their ability to use and navigate through the mechanisms and terminology of the field; as well as the ability to critically evaluate information and to identify possible knowledge applications.
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
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Topics
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Foundations of the structure and the function of the brain. Neuronal electrochemical information processing.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research methods in neuroscience. Animal models, genetic methods, neuroimaging and computational modelling.
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-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Neurodevelopment during prenatal, childhood and adolescent periods. The psychological consequences of pathological development.
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-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Ageing processes in the brain. Etiology of neurodegenerative diseases and preventative interventions.
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-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Cognitive neuroscience: neurophysiological basis of higher and lower-level cognitive functions.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Neuroendocrinology. Interplay between neural and hormonal processes.
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-
Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Clinical neuroscience: brain pathology as a cause of psychiatric disorders.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
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Topics
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Outstanding questions in neuroscience and application of obtained knowledge in a variety of professions.
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-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research in neuroscience. Structuring hypotheses, methodology and interpretation of results.
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Lifespan developmental neuroscience.
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-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Neurophysiological basis of human mental processes and the consequences of the brain's pathology.
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
|
Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
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Topics
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Looking forward into the future. Outstanding questions in neuroscience.
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Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 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.