ACN 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
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. (3-0) Y
Methods Courses
ACN
5314 (HCS 5314) Computational Modeling Methods in the Behavioral and Brain
Sciences (3 semester hours) Computational Neuroscience, Cognitive
Neural Modeling, and Mathematical Psychology modeling methodologies are
introduced through the use of computer-based simulation modeling
experiments. Emphasizes creative
applications of these research methodologies. Prerequisites: Linear Algebra and
Computer Programming Experience are 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) This course focuses on applying,
understanding, and interpreting various statistical techniques in a behavioral
science context. Students learn the framework for hypothesis testing, basic
descriptive (e.g., measures of central tendency, variability and shape) and
inferential (e.g., z, t, correlation, ordinary least squares regression, and
ANOVA) statistics. The course provides
students with an understanding of the interrelationships among statistical
techniques, and computer skills required for data analyses. Students without the necessary background
knowledge of basic statistics and experimental design will be required to take
PSY 3392 before registering for ACN 6312. (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. (May be repeated for credit) (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 Modeling Methods for 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. Prerequisite: 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 use ability evaluation. Provides broad
overview of HCI and how HCI informs UCD processes throughout product
development life cycle. (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. (0-3) 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 Monte Carlo Markov Chain methods such as
the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm.
Emphasizes development of advanced analytic skills and mathematical
reasoning abilities. Prerequisite:
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 or equivalent, ACN/HCS 5314, or (2) consent
of instructor. (3-0) T
ACN
6349 (HCS 6349) Intelligent Systems Design (3 semester hours)
Probabilistic and statistical modeling tools for the design and evaluation of
artificially intelligent deterministic and stochastic nonlinear dynamical
systems for the purpose of building computational models in the fields of
neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence. Topics include probabilistic interpretations
of nonlinear dynamical system models and asymptotic mathematical statistical
theory for parameter estimation, model selection, specification analysis, and
hypothesis testing. Prerequisite:
ACN/HCS 6347 or consent of instructor. (3-0) T
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: ACN/HCS 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 computer skills. (3-0) R
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
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
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) Research
and theory on the acquisition, representation, and retrieval of information by the
mind/brain. 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, neuropsychological approaches. (3-0) R
ACN
6338 (HCS 6338, PSYC 6338) Functional 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
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. (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
6368 (HCS 6368, PSYC 6368) Language Development (3
semester hours) Advanced study of normal oral language development. The goals
of this course are to consider the developmental trajectories of the different
components of language; to consider the varied and critical roles of language
in human development; to understand the impact of culture, different languages,
child factors and the environment on development; and to be introduced to the
theoretical perspectives driving research and thinking in this area of inquiry.
(3-0) Y
ACN
6388 (HCS 6388) MATLAB for Brain Sciences (3 semester hours).
Introduction to MATLAB computer programming. Covers the use of the MATLAB
programming language for the purpose of stimulus generation, behavioral data
analysis, statistical analyses, and generation of publication quality
figures. (3-0) R
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: ACN/HCS 6340 or
ACN/HCS 6346. (3-0) T
ACN
7367 (HCN 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
Internship
ACN
7V71 Industry Internship (1-6 semester hours) May be repeated
for credit. This course may only be taken pass/fail. ([1-6]-0) S
ACN
7V72 Research Internship (1-6 semester hours) May be repeated for
credit. This course may only be taken pass/fail. ([1-6]-0) S