Course

Published 12.9.2025

(Updated 8.6.2026)

University of Helsinki

Systems and Cognitive Neuroscience

This self-study e-course gives you a comprehensive introduction to the interdisciplinary field of systems and cognitive neuroscience

12.8.2025 - 31.7.2026

5 cr

Registration period closed

Advanced studies

Course modules cover the following topics:

What is systems and cognitive neuroscience?
Principles of neuronal function and neuroanatomy: Neurons and glial cells, chemical and electrical signaling in the brain. Brain anatomy: major brain tracts, functional cortical areas, brain topology.
Brain imaging methods: MEG, EEG, TMS, fMRI, DTI, NIRS, PET. Behavioral methods: experimental methods, questionnaire methods. Analysis and interpretation of data.
Sensory systems: vision, hearing, tactile and proprioceptive senses, chemical senses.
Selective processing of incoming information: attention; disorders of attention.
Emotions in the brain; and how emotions are studied using neuroimaging methods.
Storing and processing information in memory: types of memory, neural basis of memory, emotions and memory.
Executive actions and control of behavior: Deficits in executive functions. Neural systems of reward, decision making, motor control, visual cues and the control of movement.
Sleep: circadian rhythm, vigilance states, brain processes during sleep.
Neuronal processes underlying social interaction and cooperation: face perception, social cues, social brain networks. Developmental disorder of social interaction.
Brain and language. Music.

Contains

Check the institution’s website for the required studies.

No active implementations at present.

Additional information and registration

Price and registration period: Check on the university's website

Go to the institution's website(Opens in a new tab)

Additional information:

Fields

Natural sciences

Scope

5 cr

Code

NEU-511

The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the interdisciplinary field of systems and cognitive neuroscience and a good basis for further studies in the field. Students learn the rationale of research as well as experimental methods and approaches, concepts and theoretical frameworks that are common in the field. After successful completion of the course, students have gained knowledge and understanding in what follows:

conceptual and theoretical frameworks of cognitive neuroscience
cellular functions and neuroanatomy (basics needed to study the course)
brain imaging and behavioral methods used for studying cognitive functions
sensory systems processing of sensory information
how emotions are enabled by the brain and imaged in cognitive research
executive actions and control of behavior, and the underlying brain mechanisms
basics of the neurophysiology of sleep
processing of social information and neural systems involved in social interaction
neural basis of language functions
storing and processing information in memory

Target groups

Students of the Master’s Programme in Neuroscience, as well as MSc and doctoral students and exchange students who meet the prior knowledge requirements.

Completion methods

After enrolling to this self-study e-course, students gain access to the “Systems and cognitive neuroscience” Moodle site that is divided into modules. You will study materials of each module following the instructions given, and monitor your own learning using quizzes and module-specific tests. Each module forms a unit that is completed before you can continue to the next module. Completion of the whole course is based on the module-specific tests and a final exam.

Assessment practices and criteria

Passing the course and assessment are based on exams incorporated in the Moodle platform of the course and a separate final exam.

Activities and methods in support of learning

The available web-material consists of self-study-materials, including text, illustrations, videos, rehearsals, quizzes, etc.

Teaching period when the course will be offered

This is a self-study e-course, available throughout the year.

Recommended time or stage of studies for completion

Any time after completing the majority of compulsory courses in the Master's Programme in Neuroscience.

Language of instruction

English

EQF level:

Organiser

University of Helsinki

Contact details

uni-help@helsinki.fi

Belongs to themes:

Health and well-being

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