Psychology: Cognitive Neuroscience

You will learn how the brain works and how our mental processes affect what we notice, remember, think, feel and communicate. You will gain knowledge about both the functions of a healthy brain and how behaviors and cognitive abilities can be affected when damage or other anomalies occur.

The course combines theory and practice through lectures, seminars and laboratory work. During the laboratory assignments, you will learn how brain research works in practice by trying out methods such as measuring reaction times, looking at brain data or analysing behavioral data.

Course syllabus

The syllabus contains the formal and legal details of the entire course. It’s a legal document outlining the course structure and requirements, intended mainly for administrative use.

Course literature

The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.

The course consists of three modules:

1. Introduction to brain function (10 credits)
   You will learn the basics of brain structure, development and communication, as well as how researchers study cognition using methods such as brain imaging and reaction time measurement.
   
   
2. Higher cognitive functions (15 credits)
   You will delve deeper into how the brain enables language, memory, attention, problem solving, decision making and emotions. In laboratory sessions, you will test how research is conducted in practice.
   
   
3. Project work (5 credits)
   You will conduct your own literature review or a small research project in the field of cognitive neuroscience.
   
   

The course is examined through written tests, laboratory reports and a final project. Several parts of the course require mandatory attendance.

You will study on site in Lund at the Department of Psychology.

Please note that the course is taught in English during the spring semester and in Swedish during the autumn semester. However, lectures, seminars and instructions in English may also be held during the autumn semesters.

Cognitive neuroscience provides a deeper understanding of the connection between the brain and behavior. This knowledge is in demand in many areas, such as psychology, education, medicine, technology and communication. The course can be a foundation for further studies in, for example, neuropsychology or cognitive science.

Entry requirements

General requirements and studies equivalent to Swedish Upper Secondary School course Social Studies 1b or 1a1+1a2/Social Studies level 1b or level 1a2

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to the following: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 34 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 34 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 32 %. If students have equal credentials, seats are allocated based on their results on The Swedish National University Aptitude Test. If this too is equal, seats are allocated based on a draw.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 62,500
First payment: SEK 62,500

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.