University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Revised November 2002)
Code: USPJGL-20-3 Title: Neurophysiology and Mental Processing Version:
Level: UWE credit rating: ECTS credit rating:
Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field:
Valid from: October 2005 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites: USPJDE-20-2: Health Psychology and Psychophysiology
Learning outcomes:
At the end of the module students will be able to:-
1) Demonstrate an understanding of electrophysiological and related techniques for the assessment of mental processing.
2) Gain a critical awareness of the role and limitations of electrophysiological measures of brain function in assessing both pathological conditions and normal processes. Appreciate the position of these techniques in relation to other measures of brain structure and function.
3) Gain and demonstrate an understanding of electrophysiological techniques in critically evaluating theoretical models and constructs of brain function and mental processing.
4) Demonstrate practical skills in applying these techniques to solve problems associated with assessing possible cognitive deficits and neurological pathology.
5) Demonstrate critical awareness and understanding in preparing a research study to further research into mental processes.
6) Demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding through preparing a current literature review on a relevant topic.
Syllabus outline:
Lectures/Discussions
1) History & philosophy of the measurement of brain activity: lecture 1 – from Richard Caton & Hans Berger, via Pavio’s ‘wobbling brain’ to MEG, fMRI, PET & SPECT, TMS. The development of ideas for brain function in relation to the available measures and techniques.
2) Normal EEG: Source of the EEG, Developmental changes, Adults – diurnal variation (sleep & waking).
3) Automated Analysis Techniques: Wave quantification, period analysis, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) & power analysis, coherence & binding, clinical applications.
4) Introduction to Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and Averaging Techniques: Auditory Evoked Potential (AER/P), Visual Evoked Potential (VER/P), Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SER/P), clinical applications.
5) Event Related Potentials and Cognitive Processes: Mismatch Negativity (MMN) – auditory pre-attentional processes and attention switching. P300 – distribution and cognitive processes (e.g. P300a, P300b), ‘oddball’ paradigm/go, no-go responses. Memory - Sternberg paradigm & recognition (relevant/irrelevant stimuli), contingent negative variation (CNV).
6) EEG and Event Related Potential Changes under Altered States of Consciousness: drowsiness/sleep loss, drug effects.
7) EEG and Event Related Potential Changes with Different Neurological Conditions: CJD, dementia, demyelinating diseases, dyslexia, epilepsy, encephalitis, motorneuron disease, space occupying lesions.
8) Current Status for Measurement of Electrical Activity of the Brain: where EEG and ERP measures fit with other (structural/functional) measures (e.g. fMRI, PET). Present and future applications in clinical, academic and applied research.
Practical Component:
1) Recording the Background EEG: Basic EEG components, recording montages, basic clinical techniques (phase reversal, source localisation; pathological changes: virus, coma, encephalitis, space occupying lesions).
2) Automated Analysis of the Background EEG: Power analysis & inerhemispheric/quadrant comparisons; task differences (e.g. Maths, music), mood differences (left Vs right frontal).
3) Auditory Evoked Response: response to clicks – brainstem AER; Tones – AER.
4) Visual Evoked Response: checkerboard/flash VER, P300a,b/oddball differences.
5) Library Project (Burden Neurological Institute): Literature search and mini-review – collecting evidence for the use of EEG/ERP techniques in the assessment of altered states of consciousness (e.g. brain death, coma, anaesthesia, sleep/wake variation, drugs).
6) Diagnostic Scenarios/Case Reviews: presentation of cases: AER – cortical deafness Vs auditory pathway deficit, VER – cortical blindness Vs visual pathway, background EEG (e.g. viral encephalitis).
Seminar Component:
1) Seminar Presentation: students pick from list of research areas/problems, review the literature, develop a rationale for their proposed research study, present suggested methods of investigation etc.
Research Problem– Electrophysiological Measurement of Cognitive Processes:
Literature Review, Rationale – design/methods, hypothetical results, Discussion
Teaching and learning methods:
Reading Strategy
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
Books: Example selection of relevant texts and journals:
Angeleri F, Butler S, Giaquinto S and Majkowski J (Eds) (1997) Analysis of the Electrical Activity of the Brain. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
Binnie C, Cooper Maugiere, Osselton, Prior and Tedman (2003, 2004) Clinical Neurophysiology Vols. 1. & 2.. Elsevier.
Cacioppo, LT. and Tassinary, L.G. (2000) Principles of Psychophysiology: physical, social and inferential elements (2nd Edn). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Jasper R, Dauble (2002) Clinical Neurophysiology (2nd Edn). Contempory Neurology Series. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Rugg MD and Coles GH (Eds) (1995) Electrophysiology of Mind: Event-Related Brain Potentials and Cognition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Shaw, J (2003) The Brain’s Alpha Rhythm. Elsevier.
Stern, R.M., Ray, W.J. and Quigley, K.S. (2001) Psychophysiological
Recording. New York: Oxford University Press.
Journals: Biological Psychology, Biological Psychiatry, EEG Journal: Clinical Neurophysiology; Journal of Psychophysiology, Psychophysiology
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 30% B: 70%
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A (controlled) Element weighting
Seminar presentation and relevant material for selected research topic |
1 | |
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
3 | ||
Individual report for problem solving practical/diagnostic scenarios |
3 | |
1 | ||
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes )
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
1 | ||
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
3 | ||
(new) Individual report for problem solving practical/diagnostic scenarios |
3 | |
1 | ||
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes .
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)