Program Overview

Course Overview

The course PSY2102, Cognitive Neuroscience, is an intermediate-level course offered at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The course is taught in Norwegian, with some lectures held in English.

Course Details

• Credits: 15
• Level: Intermediate course, level II
• Course Start: Autumn 2025
• Duration: 1 semester
• Language of Instruction: Norwegian
• Location: Trondheim
• Examination Arrangement: Home examination

About the Course

Course Content

The course covers relevant biological and cognitive models for psychopathologies, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, pain disorders, schizophrenia, psychosis, drug addiction, and psychopharmacology. It also includes basic subjects such as perception, language functions, emotions, consciousness, executive functions, sleep, learning, plasticity, basic neurobiology, methods, and neuroanatomy.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

• Has advanced theoretical, empirical, and applied knowledge within cognitive neuroscience.
• Can name and describe the different parts of the central nervous system.
• Can describe the most important brain areas linked to cognitive and affective functions.
• Can explain basic psychopharmacological principles and describe key neurotransmitters and neuromodulators.
• Can explain the strengths and weaknesses of commonly used methods in cognitive neuroscience.
• Can explain the cognitive outcome of damage to specific brain areas.
• Can explain the cognitive approach to mental health (computational psychiatry).
• Can explain cognitive models for mental disorders.

Skills

• Can prepare discussions by searching scientific databases for relevant literature.
• Can use knowledge of the subject's methods and themes to summarize current research in cognitive neuroscience.
• Can analyze and relate critically to theories, methods, and research results within cognitive neuroscience.
• Can analyze and apply knowledge from cognitive neuroscience in new areas within psychological research and practice.

General Competence

• Can use knowledge from cognitive neuroscience to contribute to professional innovation.
• Can communicate about and convey knowledge about cognitive neuroscience to other professional groups, specialists, and the general public.
• Can participate in academic discussions about current research questions in cognitive and affective neuroscience.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of a neuroscientific basis for future psychological practice.

Learning Methods and Activities

The course includes lectures, seminars, and practical exercises, with practical exercises conducted in groups.

Compulsory Assignments

• Lab exercise or practical exercise

Required Previous Knowledge

• PSY1122, PSYK4122, PSY1123, PSYK4123, PSY1111, PSYK4111

Credit Reductions

The course has academic overlap with the following courses:

• PSYK4419 (7.5 sp, Autumn 2023)
• PSY2013 (7.5 sp, Autumn 2023)
• PSYPRO4313 (7.5 sp, Autumn 2023)
• PSYPRO4312 (7.5 sp, Autumn 2023)
• PSYPRO4412 (7.5 sp, Autumn 2023)
• NEVR2010 (7.5 sp, Autumn 2023) If overlapping courses are taken, a credit reduction will be applied to the course with the lowest grade, or to the most recently completed course if grades are the same.

Subject Areas

• Psychology

Examination

Examination Arrangement

• Home examination
• Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary Examination - Autumn 2025

• Home examination
• Weighting: 100/100
• Date: Release at 14:00, submission at 14:00, duration of 2 days
• Exam system: Inspera Assessment

Ordinary Examination - Spring 2026

• Home examination
• Weighting: 100/100
• Date: Release at 14:00, submission at 14:00, duration of 2 days
• Exam system: Inspera Assessment