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Experimental Design for Functional Imaging - PSGY4009
Module convenor: denis.schluppeck@nottingham.ac.uk
The following is a quick overview of the kind of material you will learn about. Note that some lectures may not take the full 2-hour slot.
Schedule
Where UP Life Sciences B1
When 13:00-15:00h Tuesdays in Autumn Term.
You can also check time / location via the University of Nottingham timetable
timetable as of 2025-09-03 - some of the lectures may change in order / details.
| Timetable week | Date | Lecture | Lecturer | Lecture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02 | 2025-09-30 | 1 | Schluppeck / Griffiths | Overview, fMRI & study design. |
| 03 | 2025-10-07 | 2 | M Schürmann | Basic neuroanatomy |
| 04 | 2025-10-14 | 3 | D Venerio | Brain stimulation & study design. |
| 05 | 2025-10-21 | 4 | W v Heuven | Language |
| 06 | 2025-10-28 | Reading week (no lecture) | ||
| 07 | 2025-11-04 | 5 | D Schluppeck | Q&A, experimental design, coursework |
| 08 | 2025-11-11 | 6 | L Cragg | Developmental neuroimaging. |
| 09 | 2025-11-18 | 7 | B Griffiths | Vision + brain imaging |
| 10 | 2025-11-25 | 8 | J Derrfuss | Cognitive control, attention, and working memory. |
| 11 | 2025-12-02 | 9 | R Filik | Moral Cognition |
| 12 | 2025-12-09 | 10 | M Ashgar / D Schluppeck | Module recap, Touch / Somatosensation (+- decision making) |
Assessment
Written assignment (max 3000 words) including a 250 word abstract. For details and the submission link, please see the moodle page
Learning outcomes [MSc in general + this module]
Knowledge and understanding
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a comprehensive knowledge of cognitive neuroscience methods
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a thorough understanding of optimal experimental design • basic principles in areas of the neurosciences Intellectual skills:
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critically appraise and summarise information related to brain imaging, taking into account the provisional nature of facts and principles in cognitive/clinical/computational neuroscience
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be familiar with scientific methods, including the ability to collect and integrate information from the literature
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to design experiments, execute experimental investigations or other relevant methods for testing a hypothesis
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undertake independent, self-directed research, taking into account ethical considerations
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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
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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:
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systematically search for literature, evaluate neuroscientific research, and draw justified conclusions from the evidence
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communicate knowledge or arguments (both orally and in writing) to a variety of audiences and to evaluate the views of others