Program Overview

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Course Overview

The Executive Brain: Networks of Control and Cognition—PSYC 449 is a course that examines the neural and cognitive mechanisms underlying executive functions. These higher-order control processes regulate perception, attention, memory, thought, and action. The course integrates behavioral, neurophysiological, and neurostimulation research to reveal how distributed brain networks support flexible, goal-directed behavior.

Course Details

• Dates: 23 February 2026 to 21 June 2026
• Starts: Trimester 1
• Fees:
  • NZ$1,376.40 for domestic students
  • NZ$5,679.00 for international students
• Lecture Start Times: Thursday, 1.10pm
• Campus: Kelburn
• Estimated Workload: Approximately 150 hours or 8.8 hours per week for 17 weeks
• Points: 15
• Availability: Limited entry

Entry Restrictions

• Prerequisites: None
• Corequisites: None
• Restrictions: None

Taught By

The course is taught by Te Kura Mātai Hinengaro—School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Education, Health, and Psychological Sciences.

Disclaimer

This course outline may be subject to change.

Key Dates

Important dates, including mid-trimester teaching breaks, can be found on the University's key dates calendar. Assessment dates will be announced once the course has begun.

About This Course

Students should have some background in brain neuroanatomy, cognition, and experimental methods. The course addresses questions about how executive control develops, breaks down in clinical conditions, and can be modulated by training or stimulation through critical readings, seminar presentations, discussions, and hands-on project design.

Course Learning Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Read research articles and critically analyze theoretical and empirical models of executive control.
2. Evaluate electrophysiological and neurostimulation evidence on executive functions.
3. Integrate cognitive, neural, and clinical perspectives in executive function research.
4. Design and justify an empirical study targeting a specific executive function mechanism.
5. Communicate scientific arguments effectively in oral form.
6. Communicate scientific arguments effectively in written form.

How This Course Is Taught

The course is designed for in-person learning and comprises weekly 2-hour seminars that combine a short lecture, paper presentation, and discussion. Weekly readings form the foundation for critical dialogue and written work.

Assessment

• Participation and Critical Commentaries: 10%
• Paper Moderation: 15%
• Knowledge Acquisition Quizzes: 20%
• Oral Presentation: 20%
• Research Proposal: 35%

Assessment Dates and Extensions

Assessment due dates and information about extensions can be found on the University's online learning environment.

Mandatory Requirements

There are no mandatory requirements for this course.

Lecture Times and Rooms

• 23 February 2026 to 5 April 2026
• 20 April 2026 to 31 May 2026

What You'll Need to Get

Details on what you need to get for the course can be found on the University's online learning environment.

Past Versions of This Course

Older versions of this course may be accessible through the course archive.

Student Feedback

Previous students' feedback on this course can be searched and read through the student feedback database.