Electroencephalography (EEG) makes it possible to record the brain¿s function in vivo. This module will give students an introduction to the preprocessing and analysis of EEG data with a focus on event-related potentials (ERPs). Students will learn about the preprocessing and analysis of EEG data, and learn how to use popular software, such as the toolbox EEGLab which relies on the software MATLAB.
This module focusses on behavioural and neuroimaging correlates of inhibition/interference, a cognitive neuroscience topic central to sex offenders/pedophilia, antisocial personality disorder/psychopathy. These are disorders commonly encountered in forensic settings and together with their neural abnormalities are central to this course. The confounding influence of factors such as alcohol/substance abuse and gambling behaviours on neural abnormalities will also be discussed. Because the relationships between these disorders is discussed across lectures, each lecture features for example some kind of mentioning of sexual offending against adults/children and could be triggering emotional reactions. The Cognitive Forensic Neuroscience module covers a range of neuroimaging methods:The students will learn about research using functional (fMRI), structural (MRI, Myelin-content) and neurochemical (MRS) measures in the aforementioned forensic populations. This neuroscience research has to be discussed as part of the assignment and the associated literature will be on canvas. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the neural underpinnings underlying commonalities and differences of a core cognitive aspect across these disorders. The module is suited for students with forensic/clinical and cognitive neuroscience aspirations.
October 2017 - March 2020
