Experimental Design for Functional Imaging

Code

PSGY4009

School

Psychology

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

This module introduces important principles of experimental design and how they link to data analysis. Specific lectures will cover: how to design neuroimaging experiments to address basic and cognitive neuroscience questions; consideration for conducting experiments; steps involved in analysing neuroimaging data, with particular emphasis on functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Target Students

Compulsory for MSc Brain Imaging students. Optional for 4th year MSci Psychology.

Classes

• One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks

Assessment

• 100% Coursework 1: Written assignment

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding: 

A comprehensive knowledge of brain imaging methods, a thorough understanding of optimal experimental design, and basic principles in areas of the neurosciences

Intellectual skills: 

Critically appraise and summarize information related to brain imaging, taking into account the provisional nature of facts and principles in cognitive/clinical/computational neuroscience, be familiar with scientific methods, including the ability to collect and integrate information from the literature, to design experiments, execute experimental investigations or other relevant methods for testing a hypothesis, undertake independent, self-directed research, taking into account ethical considerations, apply knowledge in brain imaging and cognitive/clinical/computational neuroscience to address research problems , acquire, interpret and/or critically analyse research data.

Professional/Practical Skills: 

Design and carry out appropriate experiments or procedures to test a hypothesis, including practical skills such as programming for stimulus setup and analysis, collect, record and/or analyse data from accurate observations and measurements.

Transferable (key) skills: 

Systematically search for literature and evaluate neuroscientific research and to draw justified conclusions from the evidence, communicate knowledge or arguments (both orally and in writing) to a variety of audiences and to evaluate the views of others.

Conveners

• Dr Denis Schluppeck