SOW-DGCN31
Human learning and memory
Course infoSchedule
Course moduleSOW-DGCN31
Credits (ECTS)6
Category-
Language of instructionEnglish
Offered byRadboud University; Faculty of Social Sciences; Cognitive Neuroscience;
Lecturer(s)
PreviousNext 2
Lecturer
dr. M. Dresler
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
dr. B.N. Konrad
Other course modules lecturer
Contactperson for the course
dr. J.H.R. Maes
Other course modules lecturer
Examiner
dr. J.H.R. Maes
Other course modules lecturer
Coordinator
dr. J.H.R. Maes
Other course modules lecturer
Academic year2021
Period
SEM2  (31/01/2022 to 15/07/2022)
Starting block
SEM2
Course mode
full-time
Remarks-
Registration using OSIRISYes
Course open to students from other facultiesNo
Pre-registrationNo
Waiting listNo
Placement procedure-
Aims

This course will focus on behavioural, psychological, neurobiological, and neuropsychological processes underlying the acquisition of new knowledge and its subsequent consolidation and retrieval in human animals. Where possible, attempts will be made to integrate these levels in a multidisciplinary framework. Additionally, the application of learning and memory paradigms in clinical and cognitive research will be discussed. After this course, the student is able to (1) explain and relate key experimental paradigms, empirical phenomena, neurocognitive mechanisms, concepts, and theories concerning the acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval of new knowledge, (2) apply experimental paradigms, neurocognitive mechanisms, concepts, and theories from the psychology of learning and memory to anecdotal, experimental, developmental, and clinical data, cases, and studies.
 

Content
The course starts with an overview of behavioural phenomena, basic principles, and current psychological theories and (computational) models in the research fields of associative and non-associative learning. The second part will focus on the encoding phase of memory acquisition including mnemonic strategies for better learning, the consolidation phase of memory stabilization and integration including the role of sleep, and the retrieval phase including its role for further strengthening the retrieved memory traces. The focus in the third part is on lifespan changes in learning and memory. Discussed are experimental psychological and neuroscientific research findings on normal (healthy) development and aging as well as pathologies associated with impaired learning and memory functions from childhood to older age. In this context, also neuropsychological assessment methods will be introduced.
 
Level

Presumed foreknowledge

Test information
Written exam with open questions
Specifics

Assumed previous knowledge
This course is for CNS students only. Non-CNS students can contact Ellen Janssen (e.janssen@donders.ru.nl) or Arno Koning ( a.koning@donders.ru.nl)

Required materials
Course material
Lecture notes
Literature
Relevant chapters from handbooks / key papers

Instructional modes
Lecture

General
Lecture, writing essays

Tests
Closed book exam
Test weight1
Test typeExam
OpportunitiesBlock HER, Block SEM2

Remark
NOTE: enrollment for a course automatically registers you for its exam. For participating in the retake, register again.