This course aims to build on existing knowledge of cognitive functions and brain science towards a critical appraisal of the current state of scientific debate in cognitive neuroscience. We examine how foundational cognitivist stage models on sensation and perception, attention, (working) memory, reasoning, decision-making, and motor execution have been advanced by evidence from neuroscience. Cognitive functions are furthermore critically examined in their relation to the empirical evidence from the brain sciences on language, consciousness, emotion, social cognition, and action/embodiment. The course involves both reviewing neurocognitive theory and debating current advances in brain and cognition, by focusing on recent critical reviews or meta-analyses. A lab project enables students to elaborate on discussed paradigms to independently seek intersections with their own research topics.

CILO-1: Students will be able to explain the core functions of the human mind and how they relate to brain structures. CILO-2: Students will be able to identify the theoretical background of research in perception, attention, memory, language, reasoning, decision-making, and action. CILO-3: Students will be able to identify the neuroimaging techniques required to further advance the scientific study of the human mind. CILO-4: Students will be able to apply valid methodological tools by critically evaluating strengths and weaknesses of previous research.