PY0574 - Electrophysiology in Psychology: EEG Skills

You will learn through a variety of approaches, starting with interactive lectures that will introduce the theoretical content. These sessions will begin with a historical overview and then explore the principles of EEG, its diverse applications, and its use in both experimental and clinical research. Alongside lectures, hands-on practical workshops/activities will allow you to set up and run EEG studies using real equipment. These sessions will be delivered in the specialist psychology labs. In these sessions you will record and process EEG data, applying the skills learned in class with the appropriate software tools. Fault finding and diagnostic aspects of EEG will also be covered in the workshop time. Group work will also play a key role, as you collaborate with your peers to design mini EEG experiments, learning the value of teamwork and collaboration in scientific research. Additionally, independent study will be encouraged through directed reading and self-study. Reading lists and online resources will be provided to help deepen your understanding of both the theoretical concepts and practical applications of EEG in psychology. Tutorials will be available to provide you with an opportunity for you to discuss issues related to the module with a member of staff. Together, the learning from lectures, workshops, directed and independent study will enable you to develop a comprehensive understanding of EEG principles and their applications in psychology.

You will be supported through various resources throughout the module. All lecture materials, workshop guides, data sets, and assessments will be available online via the eLearning Portal. Technology enabled learning will be implemented through the use of lecture recordings to aid your revision. Individual and group tutorials will provide opportunities to discuss your progress, ask questions, and receive guidance on assignments and practical work. Additionally, a discussion board on the eLearning Portal will allow you to engage in peer discussions and ask questions to enhance your understanding further.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

MK1: Demonstrate an understanding of the key principles of EEG technology and how it is applied in psychological research.

MK2: Critically evaluate EEG-based research and understand its strengths and limitations.


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

MIP1: - Communicate scientific findings effectively through both verbal and visual mediums.

MIP2: You will take charge of your career
development learning through critical self-evaluation and
reflection on the relevance of the module for career enhancement and future learning

Personal Values Attributes:

MPV1: You will develop the characteristics of a
Northumbria psychology graduate by working
collaboratively to find creative solutions in a problem-based learning environment and successfully
communicating these solutions using the most
appropriate formats and media.

Formative assessment:
Formative assessment will be group discussions and practical workshops focused on developing EEG-related skills and discussing key research findings. These sessions will allow you to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge gained during the module (MK1, MK2).

Summative assessment:
This module will be assessed by two assignments.

The first assignment in this module will be a vlog divided into two parts: 1) A reflection on skills developed and 2) A reflection on knowledge gained. This assignment
will be worth 90% of the module mark (MK1; MK2; MIP1; MPV1)

The second assessment is a self-reflective account in
which you will be asked to consider how this module has impacted your employability and future career
(MIP2). This will be worth 10% of the module mark.

Feedback
For formative discussions, you will receive oral feedback from both peers and tutors during the workshops and group activities. For the summative vlog assessment, individual written feedback will be provided through the eLearning Portal, with detailed comments on each component. Your personal tutor will provide feedback on the second assignment (self-reflection) via the eLearning Portal. You may also book a tutorial with them to discuss feedback and future plans.

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This module will provide you with foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for conducting EEG-based research, a core technique in both clinical and experimental psychology. Throughout the module, you will develop hands-on skills in setting up and running EEG studies and understanding the theoretical foundations of EEG methods. Topics will include a historical overview of EEG research and comparing EEG signals with other neuroimaging techniques. You will explore neural oscillations (including alpha, beta, theta, and gamma waves), event-related potentials (ERPs), brain network connectivity and identify common EEG artefacts and troubleshooting techniques. Ethical considerations in EEG research will also be covered. The applications of EEG in both experimental psychology, such as attention and memory research, and clinical psychology, including studies on epilepsy and developmental disorders, will be covered. This module is an excellent preparation for studying more advanced neuroimaging techniques in psychology and will be particularly useful for potential project work in your final year and for postgraduate study.