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Brain imaging has revolutionized how we investigate the brain; diverse techniques provide in vivo information about brain structure and function. This course uses brain imaging as a lens to understand normal function, development and aging, cognitive and behavioural processes, and disease. We will focus on the application of and interpretation of brain imaging findings and what they reveal about the brain, primarily in humans, but also in relevant animal models. For example, we will examine how even standard structural brain imaging informs us about preterm and neonatal changes and child development; how diffusion brain imaging provides a window on brain integrity and psychological function associated with normal and abnormal adolescent/early adult brain development; cognitive neuroscience through fMRI; and how PET imaging is revolutionizing our understanding of and potential treatment for neurodegenerative disorders. Practical components will provide an introduction to visualizing, analysing, and interpreting brain imaging data.
Intended learning outcomes represent what you should know and/or be able to do as a result of active engagement in the learning process.At the end of the course, students should be able to:1. Describe how brain imaging informs our current understanding of the brain in health and disease.2. Critically evaluate brain imaging research.3. Relate key brain disorders/processes to hallmark pathologies/imaging markers identifiable via brain imaging.4. Integrate and interpret findings from relevant neuropsychological, neuropsychiatric, and behavioural studies with brain imaging findings.5. Critically evaluate the capabilities (advantages and limitations) of different neuroimaging methods to advance our understanding of the brain.6. Understand Māori, Pasifika, and other cultural concepts (e.g., the head being tapu), including awareness of ethnic-specific imaging approaches, and the potential for early diagnosis of certain neurological disorders via brain imaging.Learning methods associated with these Outcomes include: Engaging in class lectures and labs, participating in activities, and reading required readings.These Learning Outcomes will be assessed via: Online quizzes, midterm test, lab report, group presentations, and a final exam.
PSYC206 and PSYC215
PSYC373
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Tracy Melzer
Scott A. Huettel, Allen W. Song, and Gregory McCarthy; Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; 3rd; Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, Massachusetts, 2014 (Copies of the recommended textbook have been placed on restricted loan (3 hours) in the Central Library).
There are no required textbooks for this course. Assigned readings for lectures/labs will be provided online via LEARN.The course is not built around a textbook. There are aspects in ‘Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging’ that overlap in a complementary fashion. Reading the textbook should not be considered to be an alternative to watching lectures or vice-versa. There will be material covered in the lecture course that is not in the textbook and material in the textbook that is not covered in lectures.
Domestic fee $1,036.00
International fee $5,188.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing .