Students
COGS701 – Research Frontiers in Cognitive Science
2017 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convener
Anina Rich
Unit Convener
Simmy Poonian
Lecturer
Paul Sowman
Lecturer
Regine Zopf
Lecturer
Lyndsey Nickels
Lecturer
Yiwen Li
Simmy Poonian
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit will engage students in critical research issues in cognitive science. We examine the assumptions and methodological issues of the main techniques used across the different fields of cognitive science (e.g., neuroimaging, behavioural, and neuropsychological techniques). The unit will include seminars by experts in the various techniques and student-led analyses of recently published papers. The aim is to provide students with the tools to critically appraise published studies and the inferences made on the basis of experimental data. Activities are based on seminar attendance, directed reading of research articles, and critical discussion of research in both written and oral form.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Identify critical issues in methods used in cognitive science
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of the methods available for research into cognitive science
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of the common measures of cognition and some of the underlying assumptions
- Clearly articulate an argument in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Critically analyse information from a variety of sources
- Provide critical analysis when reading academic research papers, and critically evaluate scientific methods, results and interpretations
General Assessment Information
Late Penalties
Late submission of an assignment will attract a penalty of 10% of the maximum mark for every day that the assignment is late (including weekend days). For example, if the assignment is worth 40 marks and your assignment is submitted 2 days late, a penalty of 2x10%x40 = 8 marks will be applied and subtracted from the awarded mark for the assignment. Work submitted more than 7 days after the submission deadline will not be marked and will receive a mark of 0. Please note that it is the student’s responsibility to notify the University of a disruption to their studies and that requests for extensions for assignments must be made via the University’s Ask MQ System (as outlined in the Disruption to Studies Policy).
Questions about the assessment tasks?
Please email the unit convenors for clarification or questions about any of the assessments - we are happy to discuss essay directions in advance of submission if necessary.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation | 10% | No | Throughout course |
| Leading journal club | 10% | No | Dependent on signed up topic |
| Critical Analysis Of A Paper | 30% | No | 2 weeks after leading paper |
| Critical Issues Essay | 50% | No | 19th June 2017 |
Participation
Due: Throughout course
Weighting: 10%
This assessment involves participating, discussing and contributing ideas throughout the course.
The course alternates between lectures given by experts and student-led journal club discussions. Students are given ample opportunity to ask questions, contribute ideas and thoughts and participate. For the student-led journal club sessions, it is required that all students carefully read the selected paper and critically think about the issues the paper raises. All students are then expected to contribute to the group discussion about the selected paper.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify critical issues in methods used in cognitive science
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of the methods available for research into cognitive science
- Clearly articulate an argument in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
Leading journal club
Due: Dependent on signed up topic
Weighting: 10%
This assessment involves selecting an academic research paper and leading a student-led discussion.
The purpose of this assessment is to provide students with practical experience in critical thinking and reasoning when reading academic articles. It will also provide students with an opportunity to enhance oral communication skills and increase their understanding of methodological techniques commonly used in academic articles.
Each student will nominate themselves to lead a paper discussion on a particular topic. Topics will be based on particular methods used in Cognitive Science and will follow specific lectures about the topic. Nominated students will select an academic paper that uses the particular technique and upload it to iLearn. All remaining students will then sign up to read and critically discuss one of the selected papers.
On the day of the student-led discussions, students will split into small groups according to which papers they signed up to critically evaluate. The nominated student will lead the discussion by critically reading and preparing for the discussion on the day. There will be department experts in the topic to help facilitate discussion within the groups. All students will contribute to discussing the critical issues within the paper. Groups will complete a short paper summary form throughout the discussion and give a short summary presentation to the the entire class about the critical issues in the paper.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify critical issues in methods used in cognitive science
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of the methods available for research into cognitive science
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of the common measures of cognition and some of the underlying assumptions
- Clearly articulate an argument in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Provide critical analysis when reading academic research papers, and critically evaluate scientific methods, results and interpretations
Critical Analysis Of A Paper
Due: 2 weeks after leading paper
Weighting: 30%
This assessment involves writing a 1000 word essay critically analysing a particular academic paper.
Students who nominated for a specific topic will be required to submit an essay two weeks after the student-led discussion. This essay will be a critical review summary of an academic paper. This article can be the paper analysed during the discussion, or a different article if the student so chooses. The article will use the relevant methodological topic discussed in the lecture and discussion group.
The essay will be assessed for evidence of:
[1] understanding of the goal, methods, analyses & results of the study,
[2] critical and reflective thinking regarding potential issues with the study,
[3] writing, clarity, and argument of the essay.
Word Limit: 1,000 words. Please write the word count on the cover page.
Due Date: Essays are due two weeks after students have led the student discussion. An electronic version of the essay will be submitted to iLearn by 4pm on the due date.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify critical issues in methods used in cognitive science
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of the methods available for research into cognitive science
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of the common measures of cognition and some of the underlying assumptions
- Clearly articulate an argument in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Critically analyse information from a variety of sources
- Provide critical analysis when reading academic research papers, and critically evaluate scientific methods, results and interpretations
Critical Issues Essay
Due: 19th June 2017
Weighting: 50%
This assessment requires writing a 3000 word essay about the critical issues in cognitive science.
The essay should contain an introductory overview and present a number of issues (perhaps 3-4) that arose during the course, and across the different techniques. It should demonstrate an understanding and detailed knowledge about the important issues in conducting research in cognitive science. The essay should include explanations about the significance of these issues and provide supporting evidence by referring to evidence-based scientific papers. The essay should also highlight critical issues and flaws within cited papers, and relate the impact these can have on the interpretation.
The essay will be assessed based on evidence of:
[1] critical thinking and understanding of the selected issues
[2] writing, clarity and argument
[3] correct use of referencing and bibliography
Word Limit: 3,000 words excl bibliography. Please write the word count on the cover page.
Due Date: 19th June 2017 at 9am. An electronic version of the essay will be submitted to iLearn by 9am on the due date.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify critical issues in methods used in cognitive science
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of the common measures of cognition and some of the underlying assumptions
- Clearly articulate an argument in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Critically analyse information from a variety of sources
- Provide critical analysis when reading academic research papers, and critically evaluate scientific methods, results and interpretations
Delivery and Resources
ABOUT THIS UNIT
This unit will engage students in critical research issues in cognitive science. We examine the assumptions and methodological issues of the main techniques used across the different fields of cognitive science (e.g. neuroimaging, behavioural, and neuropsychological techniques). The course will include lectures by experts in the various techniques and student-led analysis of recent published papers. The aim is to provide students with the tools to critically appraise published studies and the inferences made on the basis of experimental data. Activities are based on seminar attendance, directed reading of research articles, and critical discussion of research in both written and oral form.
Delivery
There will be 13 weekly seminars that run for 2 hours each.
Seminars will start in Week 1 of Session 1 on Fridays from 12:00-1:45pm in the Australian Hearing Hub, Level 3, room 3.610 (Marrie). For Week 7 of Session 1 the seminar will be on Thursday 2:00 - 3:45pm in the Australian Hearing Hub, Level 3, room 3.610.
We expect 100% attendance to the weekly seminars. If there are any issues with attendance, please email the unit convenors in advance of the class. We require students to participate in the discussion in the journal club seminars, which requires thorough reading of the assigned papers.
Resources
The required readings for this unit will be nominated by students.
Recommended readings will be given by lecturers after each lecture.
Slides and readings from each lecture will be available on this unit's iLearn page.
Unit Schedule
| Week | Date | Topic | Lecturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3rd March, 2017 | Overview and Experimental Design/Analysis | A/Prof Anina Rich |
| 2 | 10th March, 2017 | Behavioural Papers | |
| 3 | 17th March, 2017 | Electroencephalography (EEG) | Dr Simmy Poonian |
| 4 | 24th March, 2017 | EEG Papers | |
| 5 | 31st March 2017 | Neural Stimulation | Dr Paul Sowman |
| 6 | 7th April 2017 | Neural Stimulation Papers | |
| 7 | 13th April 2017 |
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Note: This Lecture will be on Thursday at 2pm |
Dr Regine Zopf |
| 21st April 2017 | MID SESSION BREAK | ||
| 28th April 2017 | MID SESSION BREAK | ||
| 8 | 5th May 2017 | fMRI Papers | |
| 9 | 12th May 2017 | Patient Studies: Single Case vs Group Approaches | Prof Lyndsey Nickels |
| 10 | 19th May 2017 | Patient Studies Papers | |
| 11 | 26th May 2017 | Magnetoencephalography (MEG) | Dr Yiwen Li |
| 12 | 2nd June 2017 | MEG Papers | |
| 13 | 9th June 2017 | Critical Themes in Cognitive Science (A Summary) |
A/Prof Anina Rich Dr Simmy Poonian |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Identify critical issues in methods used in cognitive science
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of the methods available for research into cognitive science
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of the common measures of cognition and some of the underlying assumptions
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Leading journal club
- Critical Analysis Of A Paper
- Critical Issues Essay
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Identify critical issues in methods used in cognitive science
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of the methods available for research into cognitive science
- Clearly articulate an argument in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Critically analyse information from a variety of sources
- Provide critical analysis when reading academic research papers, and critically evaluate scientific methods, results and interpretations
Assessment tasks
- Critical Analysis Of A Paper
- Critical Issues Essay
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Identify critical issues in methods used in cognitive science
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of the common measures of cognition and some of the underlying assumptions
- Clearly articulate an argument in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Critically analyse information from a variety of sources
- Provide critical analysis when reading academic research papers, and critically evaluate scientific methods, results and interpretations
Assessment task
- Critical Issues Essay
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Clearly articulate an argument in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Leading journal club
- Critical Analysis Of A Paper
- Critical Issues Essay