SOW-PSB3BC35E
Signal analysis and MATLAB
Course infoSchedule
Course moduleSOW-PSB3BC35E
Credits (ECTS)4
CategoryBA (Bachelor)
Language of instructionEnglish
Offered byRadboud University; Faculty of Social Sciences; Psychology;
Lecturer(s)
Examiner
dr. ing. L.P.J. Selen
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
dr. ing. L.P.J. Selen
Other course modules lecturer
Contactperson for the course
dr. ing. L.P.J. Selen
Other course modules lecturer
Academic year2017
Period
PER3  (05/02/2018 to 15/04/2018)
Starting block
PER3
Course mode
full-time
Remarks-
Registration using OSIRISYes
Course open to students from other facultiesYes
Pre-registrationNo
Waiting listNo
Placement procedure-
Aims
After completing this course you will be able to:
  1. Describe and apply key concepts in data processing and signal analysis by using Matlab (EK4).
  2. Master basic programming skills and the syntax of the Matlab programming language (EK4).
  3. Implement a magneto-encephalographic (MEG) data analysis in the frequency domain (EK1, EK4).
  4. Build a full brain fMRI analysis using the required theoretical knowledge (EK1, EK4).
Content
In modern psychological research sophisticated signal analysis techniques have become standard practice. Therefore, psychologists require knowledge of the technicalities involved in collecting signals and their subsequent processing using dedicated software packages.  To use such a software package for sophisticated signal analyses, knowledge of basic programming skills in combination with technical calculations is needed. Matlab is such a comprehensive software package that is widely used for signal processing, data analysis and visualization of complex datasets.
In this course you get introduced to the key concepts in data processing and signal analysis. The course focuses on a conceptual understanding and will avoid most of the mathematical complexities. Conceptualization of signal processing techniques and the development of programming skills are intertwined: you will develop practical Matlab skills to analyze and visualize various types of signals and data using the introduced techniques.
This all culminates in a frequency analysis of a magneto-encephalographic (MEG) signal, resulting in a Time Frequency Representation, and the analysis, including contrasts, of a full brain fMRI dataset.
Topics that are covered: basic matrix algebra, basic programming concepts (e.g. functions, loops, logical operators), signal collection (time resolution, amplitude resolution, analog to digital conversion, Nyquist theorema, averaging), signals in the frequency domain (Fourier transformation), Linear Time Invariant Systems, multiple linear regression, convolution.

Placement procedure
Bachelor students psychology have priority. In case we have too few computers for the practical we might reject students. However, this has so far not happened. We always found a solution. 

Exam information
• Hands-on computer exercises (50% – part of practicals)
• Written examination (50%): 12 multiple-choice questions and 3 to 4 open-ended questions
• A mark of 5.5 or higher on both the hands-on exercises and the written examination is required to pass the examination.
 
Prerequisites
At least a full year of prior study in the field of psychology.

Required materials
Reader
Reader Signal analysis and MATLAB
Course material
Lecture notes

Instructional modes
Hands-on sessions in the computer lab
Attendance MandatoryYes

General
8 hands-on sessions in the computer lab, 4 hours per week

Lecture

General
Lectures, 2 hours per week

Tests
Exam and Computer Exercises
Test weight1
OpportunitiesBlock PER3, Block PER4