Neurocognitivistics WB-BI-ANG-07
Topics of lectures
1. Introduction. Rules of evaluation. Thematic scope and history of neurocognitivistics. Recent development of new techniques and new directions of research using these techniques.
2. Anatomy and histology of the central nervous system. Localization of functions in the brain. Development, maturation and aging of the brain.
3. Anatomy of neurons and glia. Functions of single neurons and neuronal networks. Neurotransmitters, transfer of information among neurons.
4. Reflection of neuronal activity in brain surface potential. Electroencephalogram (EEG). Evoked potential. Advantages and shortcomings of the EEG registrations as experimental method.
5. The PET methode and its application in science and clinics. PET i jej zastosowania w psychologii i klinice. Deep brain stimulation in clinics and insights from its results.
6. Imaging anatomy of the living brain with the magnetic resonance (MRI) method. Medical and scientific applications.
7. Functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) method. Applications, advantages and limitations of the fMRI method in the investigation of brain function in humans and animals.
8. "Mirror neurons" of the somatosensory cortex. Neural mechanisms of understanding emotions and intentions of other persons.
9. The question of consciousness. Neurophysiology of awaking and attention. Transcranial stimulationof the brain.
10. New discoveries concerning functioning of the memory systems of the brain.
11. Physiology and pathology of the positive reward (dopaminergic) system. Emotions and cognitive processes. Addictions.
12. Mechanisms of defensive reactions. Fobias. Depression. Agression.
13. Sex hormones and emotions. Mechanisms of emotional bond between partners and parents-children.
14. Neural mechanisms of ethical choices and social life. Empathy.
15. Functional asymmetry of the human brain. Abstract thinking, intelligence. Specifically human behavior, its neural correlates and evolutionary origin.
(in Polish) Grupa przedmiotów ogólnouczenianych
Subject level
Learning outcome code/codes
Type of subject
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Effects of education:
a) Concerning knowledge: Student will gain knowledge of contemporary methods of neuroimaging and functions of brain structures. Will learn results of new research on the borders of neurobiology and psychology that in the last 15 years brought many important insights into the ways of information processing in the nervous system. Many of these results are not yet fully integrated into the canon of psychological knowledge.
b) Concernig abilities: Student will gain knowledge enabling her/him understending the important research in the areas of cognitive psychology and neurobiology. Student will be able to connect new information with the classical psychological paradigm.
c) Concernig social competences: Student is going to broaden her/his knowledge of the biological nmechanisms and limiteations of human perception, memory, and rational thinking and behavior. Knowledge concernig new methods of neuroimaging and research on humans is going to allow her/him joining a scientific team conducting research using EEG, PET or fMRI methods.
Assessment criteria
Written exam in session (90 minutes). Final grades from 2 to 5. At the end of each lecture 1-4 questions concerning the lecture will be presented. All those questions (about 30) may be asked at the exam. Each student is going to receive 3 questions from that set (different questions for each student). Writing a short essay (0.5-1 page) in response to each question is required. Each response will be evaluated in points (range 0-10). Sum of the points will be the basis of the final grade. Exams in the second term are going to be conducted in the same way.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: