Module PPP-4022:
Introduction to Neuroimaging
Module Facts
Run by School of Human and Behavioural Sciences
10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits
Semester 1
Organiser: Prof Paul Mullins
Overall aims and purpose
“Introduction to Neuroimaging” concentrates on an introduction to use of MRI in modern cognitive and neuroscience research. It includes an introduction to the physics of different MR imaging methods, the physiological basis of imaging signals, the theory of processing and analysis of imaging data, and the design of research studies. The course aims to teach (a) the necessary theoretical knowledge for understanding modern MRI and fMRI research, (b) the ethical issues involved with MRI research, both current and future and (c) the skills to design and analyze your own neuro- MRI and fMRI study.
Course content
1) Why do Imaging? - An introduction to the uses of neuroimaging in modern cognitive neuroscience 2) Physical principles of MRI imaging 3) Physiology of MRI contrast in the brain, with a focus on cerebral metabolism and blood flow 4) Principles and methodologies for measurement of changes in cerebral metabolism 5) The safety and ethical issues that arise in regards to neuroimaging research and how they apply to the researcher, participants and the wider community. 6) Statistical analyses of functional time-series 7) Experimental design for functional imaging
Assessment Criteria
threshold
Links to C grades Knowledge of key areas/principles only • Limited evidence of background study • Answer only poorly focused on question & with some irrelevant material & poor structure • Attempts to present relevant and coherent arguments • Has several factual/computational errors • No original interpretation • Only major links between topic are described • Limited problem solving • Many weaknesses in presentation & accuracy
excellent
Links to A grades. Comprehensive knowledge • Detailed understanding of the subject area • Extensive background study • Highly focused answer & well-structured • Logically presented & defended arguments • No factual/computational errors • Original interpretation • New links to topic are presented • New approach to a problem • Excellent presentation with very accurate communication
good
Links to B Grades Strong Knowledge • Understands most but not all of subject area • Evidence of background study • Focused answer with good structure • Arguments presented coherently • Mostly free of factual/computational errors • Some limited original interpretation • Well known links described between topics • Problems addressed by existing methods/approaches • Good presentation, accurate communication
Learning outcomes
-
Be able to evaluate the methodological aspects of Neuroimaging research critically
-
- Know the fundamentals of MRI imaging for cognitive neuroscience research
-
- Have a deep understanding of the ethical issues involved in MRI and fMRI studies
-
- Be able to design a good fMRI study
-
- Be able to report and interpret the results of fMRI studies.
Assessment Methods
| Type | Name | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Exam | 60.00 | ||
| Weekly assingments Week 1 | 4.00 | ||
| Weekly assignment week 2 | 4.00 | ||
| Weekly Assignment Week 3 | 4.00 | ||
| Weekly assignment week 4 | 4.00 | ||
| Weekly assignment, Week 5 | 4.00 | ||
| Weekly Assessment Week 7 | 4.00 | ||
| Weekly Assessment week 8 | 4.00 | ||
| Weekly Assessment, Week 9 | 4.00 | ||
| Weekly Assessment, week 10 | 4.00 | ||
| Weekly Assessment, Week 11 | 4.00 |
Teaching and Learning Strategy
| Hours | ||
|---|---|---|
| Private study | Designed to give a broad overview of modern neuroimaging, focussing on magnetic resonance imaging, and functional imaging (fMRI) in particular, the “Introduction to Neuroimaging” module was a typical lecture-based class, with weekly in course assignments. This year we are employing an asynchronous, “flipped” classroom structure. Students will be provided with pre-recorded lecture material and slides (split into in short snippets) to watch in their own time, and weekly thought questions, before the two hour weekly on-line session. This on-line session will be a seminar in which Professor Mullins and the students will discuss the material covered in the lectures, and how it pertains to that week’s assignment. Students are then asked to write up their response to the weekly thought question, with appropriate referencing and any illustrations needed, for submission before the following Monday. Use of a flipped classroom, and weekly assignments in this fashion places expectations for self-directed study on the student, and in doing so forces effortful engagement with the material. This is by design, as there is solid evidence that the effort put in to learning a subject is positively correlated with final outcomes. The addition of the on-line seminar session will allow students to discuss the concepts presented each week, and the questions being asked in an interactive fashion, so guiding their self-directed learning in the appropriate direction. Assessment is via submission of weekly thought questions, and a final open book online exam. |
40 |
| Work-based learning | Weekly assignment and assessment questions to provide the students with directed research. |
38 |
| Seminar | Designed to give a broad overview of modern neuroimaging, focussing on magnetic resonance imaging, and functional imaging (fMRI) in particular, the “Introduction to Neuroimaging” module was a typical lecture-based class, with weekly in course assignments. This year we are employing an asynchronous, “flipped” classroom structure. Students will be provided with pre-recorded lecture material and slides (split into in short snippets) to watch in their own time, and weekly thought questions, before the two hour weekly on-line session. This on-line session will be a seminar in which Professor Mullins and the students will discuss the material covered in the lectures, and how it pertains to that week’s assignment. Students are then asked to write up their response to the weekly thought question, with appropriate referencing and any illustrations needed, for submission before the following Monday. Use of a flipped classroom, and weekly assignments in this fashion places expectations for self-directed study on the student, and in doing so forces effortful engagement with the material. This is by design, as there is solid evidence that the effort put in to learning a subject is positively correlated with final outcomes. The addition of the on-line seminar session will allow students to discuss the concepts presented each week, and the questions being asked in an interactive fashion, so guiding their self-directed learning in the appropriate direction. Assessment is via submission of weekly thought questions, and a final open book online exam. |
22 |
Transferable skills
- Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
- Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
- Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
- Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
- Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
- Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
- Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
Subject specific skills
- Understand the scientific underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.
- Be computer literate for the purpose of processing and disseminating psychological data and information.
- Retrieve and organise information effectively.
- Handle primary source material critically.
- Use effectively personal planning and project management skills.
- Work effectively under pressure (time pressure, limited resources, etc) as independent and pragmatic learners.
- Problem-solve by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions, making critical judgements, and evaluating outcomes.
- Reason scientifically and demonstrate the relationship between theory and evidence.
- Understand and investigate the role of brain function in all human behaviour and experience.
- Employ evidence-based reasoning and examine practical, theoretical and ethical issues associated with the use of different methodologies, paradigms and methods of analysis in psychology.
- Be aware of ethical principles and approval procedures.
Resources
Resource implications for students
A Modern personal computer (< 2 years old preferred), running either MacOS, Linux, or Windows 10 (with a linux subsystem), and an internet connection.
Pre- and Co-requisite Modules
Pre-requisite of:
Co-requisite of:
Courses including this module
Compulsory in courses:
- C8CU: MSc Neuroimaging year 1 (MSC/N)
Optional in courses:
- 6S26: BSc Neuropsychology year 3 (BSC/NI)
- C8BZ: MRes Psychology year 1 (MRES/PSYCH)
- C8EG: MSc Principles of Clinical Neuropsychology year 1 (MSC/PCNP)
- C8DU: MSc Psychology year 1 (MSC/PSY)
- C8EX: MSc Psychology (with Incorporated Pre-Masters) year 1 (MSC/PSY1)
- C8AL: MSc Psychological Research year 1 (MSC/PSYRES)
- C808: MSci Psychology with Clinical & Health Psychology year 4 (MSCI/PHS)
- C807: MSci Psychology year 4 (MSCI/PS)