Teaching and Learning
Some of the key features of this course and areas of focus for student learning include:
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Coverage of brain and cognitive function, including brain imaging
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Introduction to cognitive robotics
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Opportunity to apply cognitive and brain theory to patient rehabilitation
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Hands-on training in state-of-the-art laboratories
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Detailed research project cutting across disciplines
Course structure
Seven taught modules cover relevant aspects of cognitive and brain function, including brain imaging, as well as relevant aspects of cognitive robotics. Material is delivered through lectures, workshops and hands-on training in cutting edge laboratories.
The taught modules and research training will provide the expertise and knowledge to successfully perform an independent research project which will be closely supervised by a relevant member of academic staff.
There will be access to state-of-the-art equipment for brain imaging, electrophysiological recording, computational and robotic systems run by internationally leading researchers.
Modules include:
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Intelligent robotics
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Human brain imaging
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Experimental design and analysis
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Introduction to neural computation
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Cognitive rehabilitation
Research placements
About half of the year is spent in research, in short placements in Semester 1 and 2, and in a longer piece of individual research during the summer leading to a research dissertation. The topics covered by the placements are flexible, to suit the students needs and interests.
Programme organisation
The course is organised jointly through the Schools of Psychology and Computer Science at the University of Birmingham, with additional input from engineering and medical science.