• Core module - 15 credits
• Dr Katarzyna Zawadzka
• email: k.zawadzka@sheffield.ac.uk

This module provides an overview of the fundamental issues in cognitive neuroscience and its contributory disciplines. Topics include: fundamental issues in cognition (memory, attention, learning, perception, affect), developmental processes from neuroscience, psychology and dynamic systems perspectives, and theoretical approaches including cognitive neuropsychology, symbolic and sub-symbolic modelling, and methodological issues.

Assessment: Examination

• Core module - 15 credits
• Professor Paul Overton
• email: P.G.Overton@sheffield.ac.uk

This module provides an introduction to core aspects of contemporary neuroscience, and describes the current state of knowledge in the field, central theoretical issues and key practical approaches. Topics that are discussed include: neural signalling, sensation and sensory processing, movement and its central control, the changing brain (development and plasticity in the nervous system) and complex brain functions.

Assessment: Examination

• Core module - 15 credits
• Dr Liat Levita
• email: l.levita@sheffield.ac.uk

This module provides an overview of neuroimaging techniques and fundamental data analysis methodologies employed, specifically those based around functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The two aspects of neuroimaging (techniques and data analysis) will be taught over the semester. For neuroimaging techniques, after introducing the physical principles underlying fMRI, a description of fMRI-based methods for mapping brain structure and function will follow. For neuroimaging data analysis, the general linear model methodology will be introduced based on the software SPM (Statistical Parametric Mapping), which is one of the most widely used packages for fMRI data analysis. Issues concerning fMRI experimental design and efficiency will also be discussed and taught in depth.

• Core module - 15 credits
• Tim Riley
• email: t.riley@sheffield.ac.uk

This module further develops on the foundational material in Neuroimaging 1 and provides an overview of neuroimaging techniques and fundamental data analysis methodologies. Specifically, it will focus on the techniques of electrophysiology, EEG, and MEG, optical methods and calcium imaging, each of which will be introduced in the lecture component of the module. In the associated lab classes, students will gain first-hand experience of analysing and processing data sets arising from these techniques.

• Core module - 15 credits
• Dr Tom Stafford
• email: t.stafford@sheffield.ac.uk

This module will train students in basic skills in computational data analysis. Students will learn how to import/export scientific data sets in different formats, how to process and transform them, and how to visualise results. Teaching will be hands-on and computer lab-based and will focus on the programming language Python and associated scientific software. No prior programming experience will be necessary.

• Core module - 75 credits
• Dr Stuart Wilson
• email: s.p.wilson@sheffield.ac.uk

The module allows students to work on an extended (17 week) research project within computational neuroscience and/or cognitive neuroscience and/or systems neuroscience and/or analysis of brain imaging data. Students will learn and apply appropriate research techniques, analyse and interpret the results, and write up the research findings using recognised journal frameworks. Students will receive guidance and regular feedback from their supervisors. The project culminates in an oral presentation and a written dissertation.

• 15 credits
• Dr Tom Farrow
• email: t.f.farrow@sheffield.ac.uk

This module comprises studying practical neuroanatomy (human brain dissection) and an overview of neuroradiology (mainly magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and computed tomography [CT]). The two complementary components of neuroanatomy and neuroradiology will be taught in parallel over the semester. For neuroanatomy, a five-session programme involving practical brain dissection and detailed coverage of the structural and functional units of the human brain will be undertaken. For neuroradiology a series of lectures will be given. Both components will be supported by tutorials.

Assessment: Practical spotter exam

• 15 credits
• Dr Chris Martin
• email: C.Martin@sheffield.ac.uk

The module provides an advanced understanding of the brain's major computational systems and how they have been modelled. Major processing units of the brain (e.g, cerebellum and basal ganglia) will be described and, where appropriate, emphasis will be placed on understanding each of these structures as a series of repeating micro- or macrocircuits. The various strategies adopted for modelling these circuits and their interactions with other brain systems will be presented and their predictions for biology considered.

• 15 credits
• Dr Robert Schmidt
• email: robert.schmidt@sheffield.ac.uk 

This module provides an introduction to methods in computational neuroscience from two different, but complementary perspectives. First, a high-level or ‘top-down’ view explores how neurons encode and decode sensory information. Second a ‘bottom-up’ or mechanistic approach looking at single neuron models at different levels of abstraction – from a simple ‘integrate-and-fire’ approximations to full conductance-based compartmental models. Throughout this module, the emphasis is on the use of mathematical and computational models of single neuronal function.

• 15 credits
• Dr Stuart Wilson
• email: s.p.wilson@sheffield.ac.uk

This module is based on the themes of information theory, Bayes' theorem, and learning algorithms. Information theory places limits on how much Shannon information can be transmitted/received by any communication channel, Bayes' theorem provides a method for interpreting incomplete or noisy information, and learning algorithms provide a mechanism for acquiring/storing/retrieving information about the environment. These three related ideas will be explored in the context of neuronal information processing.