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PSYC313 Cognition and Neuropsychology

Human brain-behaviour relationships and mechanisms of attention, memory, and cognition.

Cognitive psychology is the science of the mind and the mental processes used for interacting with the environment and internal thought. Damage to the brain can compromise cognition, and the resulting deficits can provide insight into the normal function of the brain. We will study cognitive processes, including the methods by which information is normally represented, retrieved and used, as well as the cognitive and behavioural changes that occur as a result of damage to the underlying neural machinery. Brain disease and its impact on cognitive functions will be examined. Topics covered include visual processing, object recognition, attention, executive function, memory, language and motor control.

Paper title Cognition and Neuropsychology
Paper code PSYC313
Subject Psychology
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) $1,141.35
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.

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Prerequisite
PSYC 210 and PSYC 211 and PSYC 212
Restriction
PSYC 314
Schedule C
Arts and Music, Science
Notes
For Neuroscience students the prerequisite is PSYC211.
Eligibility

With departmental approval, a student who has achieved a grade of at least B+ in each of PSYC 210 and 212 may take no more than one of PSYC 313-328 concurrently with PSYC 211.

With departmental approval, a student who has achieved a grade of at least B+ in PSYC 211 may take no more than one of PSYC 313-328 concurrently with PSYC 210 and 212.

Contact

Dr Liana Machado

Teaching staff
Dr Liana Machado
Paper Structure

This paper involves lectures. Topics covered include:

  • Visual processing
  • Object recognition
  • Attention
  • Executive function
  • Memory
  • Language
  • Motor control

Internal Assessment involves one test and one report (25% each).
Internal assessment contributes 50% to the final grade.

Teaching Arrangements
One 1-hour lecture and one 2-hour lecture per week.
Textbooks

Cognitive Neuroscience: The Biology of the Mind (5th International Student Edition) ISBN 9780393667813, Gazzaniga, Michael et al, John Wiley & Sons 2013

Recommended readings will be assigned during the course of the paper.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Interdisciplinary perspective, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will develop an understanding of the functional organisation of the brain, cognitive mechanisms and the impact of both healthy ageing and neuropathology on cognitive functioning.

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Timetable

Semester 1

Location
Dunedin
Teaching method
This paper is taught On Campus
Learning management system
Blackboard

Lecture

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend
A1 Thursday 14:00-15:50 9-14, 16-22
Friday 14:00-14:50 9-13, 16-22