PSY4305 – Genetics of Cognitive Neuroscience
Course content
Genetics of Cognitive Neuroscience (GCN) uses knowledge of genetic variation to elucidate mechanisms of cognition and brain function. Genetic variation refers to molecular differences between individuals including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and aggregates of these, copy number variations, as well as differences in gene expression and epigenetic profiles. Focus will be on the genetic underpinnings of attention, effort and working memory, and their role in higher order cognitive functions such as executive control and intelligence. Contributions from GCN to the understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders such as psychosis and dementia will also be discussed. Ethical aspects of the use of genetic information in research will be emphasized throughout the course.
Learning outcome
The course will bring the student to the frontline of research within selected topics in GCN and provide a basis for further thesis work.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
This course is offered to students in the master's degree programme in psychology - Cognitive Neuroscience discipline.
Recommended previous knowledge
This course builds on the knowledge from PSY4303 – Vision and the Brain (discontinued) in the first semester of the master's programme.
Teaching
Teaching will be given in the form of lectures and seminars.
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
Writing a short review paper on a topic of interest within genetics of cognitive neuroscience.
Information about essay will be posted on Canvas.
Submit assignments in Inspera
You submit your assignment in the digital examination system Inspera. Read about how to submit your assignment.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
If you are an exchange student, please note that you will receive a pass or fail for this course and this cannot be converted into an A-F grading scale.
Explanations and appeals
Ask for explanation of your grade in this course.
Resit an examination
If you are sick or have another valid reason for not attending the regular exam, we offer a postponed exam later in the same semester.
See also our information about resitting an exam.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.