This unit of study will focus on approaches to studying neurosciences incorporating molecular, preclinical
and clinical models of brain function. These biological models of brain function will be linked with
behavioural, affective and cognitive function and dysfunction. The implications of focal cognitive deficits
in neurological patients for models of normal cognitive function will also be explored.
- Principles of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology. Editor: Marsel Mesulam, Oxford University Press.
-Kandel, E. Principles of Neural Science. 5th Edition, Elsevier (2012).
-Karakaş, S. Kognitif Nörobilimler, Nobel Tıp Kitabevi, Ankara (2010).
Other Sources
- Research paper translations related to course topics and presentations.
Course Schedules
Week
Contents
Learning Methods
1. Week
Introduction to cognitive neuroscience (research methods, techniques and issues)
Verbal Presentation
2. Week
Anatomical structure of nervous system (neuroanatomical terms, brain development, human brain anatomy, peripherical and central nervous system)
Verbal Presentation
3. Week
Cortex (sulcus and gyrus on the brain, intelligence, brain's volume and evolution, cortical topography, cortical function)
Verbal Presentation
4. Week
Neurocognitive networks in human brain (representation, interference and decoding) (M. Mesulam)
Verbal Presentation
5. Week
Molecular and Cellular Principles of Mood Disorders (Mania, Depression, OCB)
Verbal Presentation
6. Week
Molecular and cellular principles of schyzophrenia
Verbal Presentation
7. Week
MIDTERM
8. Week
Psychopharmacology- effects of drugs on central nervous system, antagonist/agonist reactions, neurotransmitter systems, how do neurotransmitters work on behaviours?
Verbal Presentation
9. Week
Drugs and Addiction-effects of drugs on central nervous system, theories of addiction
Verbal Presentation
10. Week
Sleep disorders and wakefulness
Verbal Presentation
11. Week
Social Cognition- Social cognition model, brain structures related to social cognition and assessing methods.
Verbal Presentation
12. Week
Emotion and Mood
Verbal Presentation
13. Week
Discussion
Verbal Presentation
14. Week
FINAL TERMS
15. Week
FINAL TERMS
16. Week
FINAL TERMS
17. Week
Assessments
Evaluation tools
Quantity
Weight(%)
Midterm(s)
1
40
Final Exam
1
60
Program Outcomes
PO-1
Ability to integrate both theorical and practical knowledge in different domains of psychology.
PO-2
Apply major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings of psychology on both theory and implication.
PO-3
Understanding the difference between science, art, philosophy and common sense paralel to evolution of human life and cognition.
PO-4
Gain interdisciplinary perspectives about the evolution of human being and societies.
PO-5
Design, run experiment research; collect, analyze and interpret research data; write research reports effectively.
PO-6
Ability to Access and use of information effectively; browse interdisciplinary literature, use databases and other information sources properly.
PO-7
Gain analytical and critical thinking and writing skills.
PO-8
Use appropriately the technical language of science of psychology in oral and written communication and presentation skills.
PO-9
High comprehension of at least a foreign language.
PO-10
Improve attitudes, abilities and motivation that bring out self efficiacy, talent and creativity.
PO-11
Develop skills and abilities for self critisicm and self growth.
PO-12
Achieve personal implements for team working.
PO-13
Increase sensitivity and awareness to reflect on communication and problem solving processes.
PO-14
Ability to develop social sensitivity and consciousness to conduct social responsibility projects.
PO-15
Develop leadership skills and management of human relations.
PO-16
Professional ethical consciousness.
PO-17
Interact effectively and work productively with others.
PO-18
Apply technical knowledge of psychology to problem solving processes in professional work settings.
Learning Outcomes
LO-1
Knowledge and Understanding of behavioural neuroscience and cognitive neuroscience
LO-2
Understand, apply and evaluate basic research methods in behavioural and cognitive neuroscience, including design of laboratory and clinical research, data collection, analysis and interpretation, literature searches and review.
LO-3
Respect and use critical and creative thinking, sceptical inquiry, and the scientific approach to solve problems related to the neuroscientific basis of behaviour.
LO-4
Value empirical evidence; tolerate ambiguity during the search for greater understanding of behaviour and knowledge structures; use information in an ethical manner.
LO-5
Understand and apply psychological principles to personal and social issues. Relate concepts, theories, and research findings in behavioural and cognitive neuroscience to solving problems in everyday life and in society.
