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Content: The module will introduce students to the central nervous system with particular emphasis being placed on brain structures known to be involved in language processing. Following that, focus will be given to the different imaging technologies currently in use (e.g. MRI, fMRI, EEG, MEG, fNIRS and TMS). Discussion of each method will include their strengths and weaknesses; underlying principles; and any constraints on data interpretation.Ìý

Teaching delivery: There are 10 weekly ~2hr in-person sessions. At least 9 of these are interactive lectures, with some of the lectures being delivered by invited experts from around UCL. One of the in-person sessions may be allocated to preparation/delivery of an assessment.Ìý

Indicative topics: Indicative lecture topics – based on module content in 2023/24, subject to possible changes:
• Neuron Anatomy and Physiology
• Brain Anatomy
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
• Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
• Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPMS)
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
• Electroencephalography (EEG) and Event-Related Potentials (ERP)
• functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)

Module Aims: This module aims to:

• Understand the fundamental cellular activity underlying brain function
• Identify anatomical regions of the brain (with a focus on sensory-motor and language processing regions)
• Understand the principles underlying each discussed technique’s measurement or manipulation of brain activity
• Critically discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each technique