Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Brain Imaging: A Toolbox for Understanding the Human Mind
School	School of Psychology
Department	School of Psychology
Module Code	03 33214
Module Lead	Stephen Mayhew
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	Taught at the Dubai Campus
Contact Hours	Lecture-20 hours Seminar-4 hours Demonstration-2 hours Guided independent study-174 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	In the last 20 years a dazzling array of neuroimaging techniques have emerged which have enabled scientists to revolutionise our understanding of how the functional and structural organisation of the human brain give rise to complex behaviour. This module will provide a comprehensive introduction into the key neuroimaging techniques and how they can be used to study human behavior and brain function in both health and disease. In particular this course will provide an overview of the ability of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify the areas of the brain responsible for specific functions such as our movements, our memory and decision making, our emotions and determining how our senses allow us to see, hear, taste and smell. We will also cover other applications of magnetic resonance imaging such as to measure: brain structure, neuronal organization, brain size and the wiring of brain circuits that carry information between different regions; as well as how the brains array of neurotransmitters play different roles in signal transmission, and how abnormalities in these chemicals can lead to brain malfunction. The course will also introduce how electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) directly measure the signaling patterns of the brains activity and reveal the precise timing of information flow, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of these methods compared to fMRI. Finally we will discuss the use of electrical/magnetic brain stimulation techniques which are increasingly commonly used to probe brain function by either disrupting brain activity (TMS) or augmenting electrical signaling and observing the functional consequences (TDCS). Students will gain an understanding of how these techniques can be used, what different neurophysiological signals they measure, the strengths and weaknesses of each technique and the state-of-the-art applications of these tools in cognitive neuroscience.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module, students should be able to: Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different brain imaging techniques, the differences between what they each measure and which methods are complementary with each other Demonstrate a systematic understanding of basic experimental paradigm design and how each technique can be used in research Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the neurophysiological signals that different techniques measure and the differences between electrical and haemodynamic measures of brain activity Demonstrate a critical awareness of the different applications of structural imaging and functional imaging and the research questions they are best positioned to answer Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the different applications of resting-state and task-based functional studies and the research questions they are best positioned to answer Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the different purposes and applications of brain stimulation compared to brain imaging and the research questions they are each best positioned to answer Develop discussion skills and ability to critically evaluate the most appropriate techniques to study given examples of specific psychological/neuroscientific research questions.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: Essay (40%) A 2000 word critical essay on a topic related to one of the lectures. Summer Examination (60%): 2 hours. Part A: six compulsory short answer questions; Part B: one essay from a choice of three questions Reassessment: none
Other
Reading List