Developmental cognitive neuroscience 2500-EN-COG-OB2Z-N-2
The course introduces key concepts and ideas, as well as most important research evidence in developmental cognitive neuroscience. Throughout the course we will try to answer the most important question in this area of research – how does the brain specialise to perform specific functions? How do selected brain networks specialise for different cognitive tasks? What is the relationship between changes in brain activity and changes in the child’s knowledge and skills?
We will approach these questions by reviewing the principles of brain development and known theories of functional specialisation. We will then look at several domains of cognition and the development of their brain correlates. Finally, we will review few cases, where atypical biological constrains or atypical, adverse environment lead to atypical neurocognitive development of the child.
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
After the course student will:
• know fundamental processes of structural and functional brain development (K_W02, K_W05)
• understand the complex relationships between biologically-driven mechanisms and experience-dependent processes (K_W02, K_W05)
• be able to explain basic concepts related to neurocognitive development (experimental paradigms, research methods) (K_W02, K_W05)
• be able to explain, using examples, the relationships between selected domains of cognitive development and changes in functional brain networks (K_U07, K_U08)
• be able to explain atypical and abnormal development in terms of developmental trajectories of neural systems (K_K02, K_K07)
• be able to communicate acquired knowledge of functional brain development in English (K_U09, K_K02)
• be able to independently collate and critically evaluate original research papers in English from the area of developmental cognitive neuroscience (K_U01,K_U07, K_U08)
Assessment criteria
Short essay (20%)
Final test (80%)
2 unexcused absences are allowed. Students may submit short written work to make up for up to 2 additional missed classes.
Students must respect the principles of academic integrity. Cheating and plagiarism (including copying work from other students, internet or other
sources) are serious violations that are punishable and instructors are required to report all cases to the administration.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: