Course Descriptions
Core Courses
ACN 6330 (HCS 6330, PSYC 6330)
Cognitive Science (3 semester hours) Cognitive,
computational, and neural processing approaches to understanding perception,
memory, thought, language and emotion. (3-0) Y
ACN 6344 (HCS 6344, PSYC 6344) Functional Human Neuroanatomy
(3 semester hours) Function of each major brain system as related to the
organization and synaptic connections of their principal nuclei.
Function of each system related to the neurological disorders associated with
disease or lesions at specific locations. (3-0) T
ACN 6346 (HCS 6346, PSYC 6346) Systems Neuroscience (3 semester hours)
Integrative systems level study of the nervous system. Aspects
of neural mechanisms and circuitry underlying regulation of motor behaviors,
sensory and perceptual processing, biological homeostasis, and higher cognitive
functions. (3-0) Y
ACN 6395 (HCS
6395, PSYC 6395) Cognitive Psychology (3 semester hours) Theory and research on perception,
learning, thinking, psycholinguistics, and memory. Prerequisites: PSY 3361 (or CGS 3361) or equivalent (3-0)
Y
ACN
5314 (HCS 5314) Cognitive and Neural Modeling Lab (3 semester hours) Auto-associative, associative,
competitive learning, recurrent, and back-propagation artificial neural network
algorithms in a "hands-on" micro-computer laboratory environment
using special simulation software. Applications to perceptual, cognitive, computational, and
neuroscience problems. Emphasizes creative
applications of these research methodologies. Prerequisites: Linear
Algebra and Computer Programming Experience is recommended but not required. (3-0) T
ACN 6312 (HCS 6312, PSYC 6312) Research Methods in Behavioral and Brain
Sciences - Part I (3 semester hours). Applying,
understanding, and interpreting various statistical techniques in behavioral
science context. Participants have the opportunity to learn appropriate
statistical details for basic descriptive and inferential statistics, the
interrelationships among techniques, and computer skills required for data
analyses. (3-0) Y
ACN 6313 (HCS 6313, PSYC 6313) Research Methods in Behavioral and Brain
Sciences - Part II (3 semester hours) Topics in general linear modeling
including regression analysis correlation, simple analysis of variance,
factorial analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, between and within
subject designs, and multiple regression. Prerequisite: ACN/HCS/PSYC 6312.
(3-0) Y
ACN 6316 (HCS 6316, PSYC 6316) Research Methods in Behavioral and Brain
Sciences–Part III (3 semester hours) Applying, understanding, and
interpreting various advanced multivariate statistical techniques in brain and
behavioral science contexts. Includes principle component
analyses, simple and multiple correspondence analyses, partial least square
regression, discriminant analyses, and structural equation modeling. (3-0) R
ACN 6319 (HCS 6319, PSYC 6319) Scientific Writing (3 semester hours)
Scientific writing of articles for publication. (3-0) Y
ACN 6322 (HCS 6322) Computational Models of Language Understanding (3
semester hours). Probabilistic methods for natural language
understanding. Use of the MATLAB computer language for
instantiating specific knowledge-based computational theories of natural
language understanding. Emphasizes creative
applications of these research methodologies. Prerequisites: Computer
Programming Experience is recommended but not required. (3-0)
T
ACN 6341 Human Computer Interactions I (3 semester hours) Methods and
principles of human-computer interaction (HCI), user-centered design (UCD), and
useability evaluation. Provides broad overview
of HCI and how HCI informs UCD processes throughout product development lifecycle.
(3-0) T
ACN 6342 Human Computer Interactions II (3 semester hours) Detailed exploration of human-computer interaction (HCI)
through readings in journal articles and research reports. Practical experience
in methodology typically used in the design of usable systems. (3-0) T
ACN 6343 Human Computer Interactions Lab (3 semester hours) Provides
students with resources to learn and perform hands-on, lab-based techniques
such as usability testing and cognitive walkthroughs. Emphasizes
creative applications of these research methodologies as well as the
development of critical thinking skills in a usability engineering context.
(3-0) T
ACN 6347 (HCS 6347) Intelligent Systems Analysis (3 semester hours).
Mathematical tools for investigating the asymptotic behavior of both
deterministic and stochastic nonlinear dynamical systems. Topics include:
artificial neural network architectures, Lyapunov
stability theory, nonlinear optimization theory, stochastic approximation
theory, and the Gibbs Sampler. Emphasizes development of
advanced analytic skills and mathematical reasoning abilities.
Prerequisites: ACN/HCS 6348 (or equivalent) or
consent of instructor. (3-0) T
ACN 6348 (HCS 6348) Neural Net Mathematics (3 semester hours).
Vector calculus and vector calculus-based probability theory with artificial
neural network modeling applications. Emphasizes development
of advanced analytic skills and mathematical reasoning abilities. Intended to provide mathematics preparation for ACN/HCS 6347 and
ACN/HCS 6349. Prerequisites: Either: (1) Linear algebra,
multivariable calculus, STAT 5351, ACN/HCS 5314, or (ii) consent of instructor. (3-0) T
ACN 6349 (HCS 6349) Intelligent Systems Design (3 semester hours) Mathematical
tools for the design and evaluation of artificially intelligent deterministic
and stochastic nonlinear dynamical systems for the purposes of building
computational models in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and artificial
intelligence. Topics include Markov Random Field probability representations
and asymptotic mathematical statistical theory for parameter estimation, model
selection, and hypothesis testing. Prerequisites: ACN/HCS 6347 or consent
of instructor. (3-0) T
ACN 6351 (HCS 6351) Quantitative Methods in Neuroscience (3 semester
hours) Data analysis techniques relevant to neuroscience. Topics may
include: fourier/wavelet analysis, differential
equations, and statistical data analysis methods. May
be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor. Prerequisite:
ACN/HCS 6312 or consent of instructor (3-0) R
ACN 6372 (HCS 6372) The Neuroscience of Pain (3 semester hours) A
systems-oriented course covering the anatomical and physiologic basis of pain.
The course emphasizes the similarities and differences between the different
forms of pain and describes the basic features of neural processing of pain
signals in the spinal cord and brain, the anatomy and the function of the
descending systems that can control transmission of pain signals, and
peripheral and central sensitization. The physiological and molecular basis for
treatment of pain is discussed. (3-0) Y
ACN 6373 (HCS 6373) Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring I (3
semester hours). The anatomical and physiological
basis for the use of electrophysiological techniques in intraoperative
neurophysiologic monitoring and in diagnosis of disorders affecting the nervous
system. (3-0) Y
ACN 6374 (HCS 6374) Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring II (3
semester hours). The use of recordings of neuro-electric brain potentials and their interpretation
for diagnostic purposes and for intraoperative monitoring. Prerequisite:
One of the following: HCS/ACN 6346 Systems Neuroscience, HCS/ACN 6344
Functional Human Neuroanatomy, or HCS/ACN 6373. (3-0)
Y
ACN 6399 (HCS 6399, PSYC 6399) Research Ethics and Scientific Integrity
(3 semester hours) An interactive, intensive course designed to cover
critical issues related to human subjects, animal welfare, research design,
accountability of scientific actions and fraud. Course designed for
individuals intending research careers in academia or industry. (3-0) Y
ACN 7324 (COMD 7324, AUD 7324) Seminar in Cochlear Implants and Technology
for Persons with Hearing Impairments (3 semester hours) Overview of
prosthetic alternatives to conventional amplification for individuals with
severe-to-profound hearing loss. Topics include candidacy determination,
technology, programming/fitting of devices, aural
(re)habilitation, and awareness of controversial areas related to
cochlear implantation. (3-0) Y
ACN 7335 (HCS 7333) Computational Neuroscience (3 semester hours)
Introduction to state-of-the-art computer methods for simulation of
biologically realistic neuronal dynamics. Students must demonstrate some
degree of computer skills. (3-0) R
ACN 7367 (HCS 7367) Speech Perception Laboratory (3 semester hours)
Introduction to the field of speech processing by computer, with primary
application to research techniques in the study of speech perception.
(0-9) T
Elective and Specialization Area
Courses
Note that the following list only
represents a subset of the possible approved elective and specialization area
courses. Students in the Applied Cognition and Neuroscience program should
select their elective and specialization area coursework in consultation with
their faculty advisor or the ACN Program Head. All courses with an HCS (Human
Development and Communication Sciences) prefix area are automatically approved
elective courses. Coursework outside the School of Behavioral and Brain
Sciences may also be approved as an appropriate elective course if special
permission from the ACN Program Head is obtained.
ACN
6160 Neurobiology (1 semester hour) A self-paced
course providing the neurobiological foundation for the study of
speech-language pathology.
This course may only be taken pass/fail. (Open to COMD students only) (1-0) R
ACN 6310 (HCS 6310) Fundamentals of Functional Brain Imaging (3 semester
hours) This course covers topics such as principles of tracer techniques,
neuroimaging instrumentation, safety issues, brain physiology (perfusion,
metabolism, and receptor function), image processing and analysis, fundamentals
of SPECT, PET and fMRI, and critical evaluation of the functional neuroimaging
literature. (3-0) Y
ACN 6331 (HCS 6331, PSYC 6331) Cognitive Development (3 semester hours)
Survey of cognitive development theories and research in a variety of
domains including perception, memory, language, and problem solving. (3-0) Y
ACN 6332 (HCS 6332, PSYC 6332) Perception (3 semester hours)
Psychophysical, neurophysiological, and computational foundations of sensation
and perception. Basic senses of vision, audition,
chemoreception, and tactile processing, with emphasis on understanding the
processes that take us from neurons to perception and action. (3-0) R
ACN 6333 (HCS 6333, PSYC 6333) Memory (3 semester hours)
Theoretical frameworks for knowledge acquisition and representation. Includes information processing and neuropsychological
perspectives. (3-0) T
ACN 6334 (HCS 6334) Attention (3 semester hours) Theory and
evidence on the study of attention especially in human vision and audition.
Includes perceptual learning, information processing, and
neuropsychological approaches. (3-0) R
ACN 6339 (HCS 6339, PSYC 6339) Psycholinguistics (3 semester hours) Classic
and current research in psycholinguistics. Includes
concepts from linguistics, the biological bases of speech and language
processing, and child language acquisition. Hands-on exercises include
labs on speech perception, language acquisition, and language comprehension. (3-0) R
ACN 6340 (HCS 6340) Cellular Neuroscience (3 semester hours) Basic
neural biology and physiology and principles of synaptic transmission.
(3-0) Y
ACN 6355 (HCS 6355, PSYC 6355) Judgment and Decision Making (3 semester
hours) This course examines human inferences,
judgments, decisions, and the processes by which we arrive at them. It will
focus on the fact that our social judgments are not based on the laws of
probability and chance, but on other cognitive processes that may have serious
shortcomings in important inferential and decision-making tasks. We will also
see that these processes, while ecologically efficient, systematic and often
predictable, are imperfect in today´s data-rich environment. (3-0)
T
ACN 6363 (HCS 6363) Text Comprehension Seminar (3 semester hours)
Current readings in the field of text comprehension and memory.
May be repeated for credit with instructor´s permission.
(3-0) T
ACN 6367 (HCS 6367, PSYC 6367) Speech Perception (3 semester hours)
Current topics and theories in speech perception. Topics include the
acoustic correlates of speech sounds and the problem of invariance, the
perception of speech under adverse conditions, the effects of hearing
impairment, and models of speech perception. (3-0) T
ACN 6368 (HCS 6368, PSYC 6368) Language Development (3 semester hours)
Advanced study of normal oral language development. Focus on research in
child language and recent theories of language acquisition. Prerequisite:
Consent of instructor. (3-0) Y
ACN 6V81 Special Topics in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience (1-9
semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester. May be
repeated for credit as topics vary. ([1-9]-0) S
ACN 7330 (HCS 7330) Advanced Functional Brain Imaging (3 semester hours)
This course explores more in-depth topics such as neuroimaging detection
systems, clinical applications of functional neuroimaging, experimental design,
statistical techniques in image analysis and reviews of pertinent literature
using functional brain imaging to illuminate various cognitive and perceptual
processes, such as language, memory, hearing and vision. (3-0)
R
ACN 7343 (HCS 7343) Neuropharmacology (3 semester hours) Biology of
neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Includes
ionotropic and metabotropic coupling of all known
classes of receptors to both their cellular and systemic effects.
Clinical efficacy, side effects, and other issues related to drug use and abuse
are covered. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor or either: ACN/HCS 6340 or
ACN/HCS 6346. (3-0) T
Internship
ACN 7V71 Industry Internship May be repeated for credit. This course may only be
taken pass/fail. ([1-6]-0) S
ACN 7V72 Research Internship May be repeated for credit. This course may
only be taken pass/fail. ([1-6]-0) S