Elective Course - Brain and Cognitive Development

Course content

Infancy is the period of most dramatic brain and cognitive development, and where we see the biggest changes in cognition. Understanding this period of cognitive development and what drives cognitive development is crucial for understanding human cognition more broadly. This course is focused on the topic of infant and early childhood cognition, and will draw on our knowledge of the developing brain, and findings from neuroimaging.  We will begin with an introduction to the field of infant cognitive development, an overview of brain development, and current methodology for studying infants and their brains. In subsequent weeks, we will cover a new topic each week, including both domains of knowledge (including objects, number, faces, social reasoning, morality) and mechanisms of early learning (information expectation, information seeking, statistical learning). The course is aimed at providing a state-of-the-art on cognitive development and will be focused on the most recent research that has transformed our understanding of what and how infants learn. 

Full participation in class is required. The course requires reading papers weekly prior to participation in class, as set by the teacher. These may differ each week and may include reading a short scientific paper or a popularized account of a scientific paper, or watching a short popularized documentary before attending class. During class, students will then discuss in small groups questions related to these papers/popularized content. Answers will be uploaded to a forum so that each student can benefit from others’ views.  

Education

The course is open to:

  • Bachelor Programme in Psychology

 

Full-degree students enrolled at the Faculty of Social Science, UCPH 

  • Bachelor Programmes in Anthropology 

 

The course is open to:

  • Exchange and Guest students from abroad

Curriculum - UCPH

Learning outcome

The purpose of these modules is to expand knowledge or put the psychological subject area into perspective through theoretical or empirical specialisation within subject areas within or related to psychology.

Upon completion of the elective subject module within the Department of Psychology, students are able to:

  • describe and account for relevant concepts and themes within the elective subject
  • describe and account for relevant methodological approaches in relation to the subject matter for the elective subject
  • explain contexts, analyse and/or conduct procedures relevant to the elective subject under supervision.

Syllabus cf. curriculum: The syllabus can be compulsory or combined compulsory/self-selected.
Elective (BA) (7.5 ECTS): approx. 600 standard pages
Elective (MA) (7.5 ECTS credits): approx. 800 standard pages

An up-to-date syllabus list will be available in the course room on Absalon just before the start of the semester.

If the course has previously been offered, syllabus lists can be found here: Absalon

Not relevant
ECTS
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Home assignment
Type of assessment details
Set assignment with a choice of 4 essay topics. Students must choose 1 question to answer. Max 2000 words. Students must submit essays individually.
Examination prerequisites

For all elective subjects, minimum 75% attendance is a prerequisites for submitting assignments. However, the teaching is based on full participation.

This will involve presenting an assigned paper to the class either individually or as part of a group.

Aid
All aids allowed

Unless otherwise specified, the Department of Psychology prohibits the use of generative AI software and large language models (AI/LLMs), such as ChatGPT, for generating novel and creative content in written exams. However, students may use AI/LLMs to enhance the presentation of their own original work, such as text editing, argument validation, or improving statistical programming code. Students must disclose in an appendix if and how AI/LLMs were used; this appendix will not count toward the page limit of the exam. This policy is in place to ensure that students’ written exams accurately reflect their own knowledge and understanding of the material.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Exam period

Exam information:

The examination date can be found in the exam schedule    here

The exact time and place will be available in Digital Exam from the middle of the semester. 

Re-exam

Reexam information:

The reexamination date/period can be found in the reexam schedule    here

Criteria for exam assessment

Students are assessed on the extent to which they master the learning outcome for the course.

 

To obtain the top grade “12”, the student must with no or only a few minor weaknesses be able to demonstrate an excellent performance displaying a high level of command of all aspects of the relevant material and can make use of the knowledge, skills and competencies listed in the learning outcomes.

 

To obtain the passing grade “02”, the student must in a satisfactory way be able to demonstrate a minimal acceptable level of the knowledge, skills and competencies listed in the learning outcomes.

  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 30
  • English
  • 30

Kursusinformation

Language
English
Course number
APSB21737U
ECTS
7,5 ECTS
Programme level
Bachelor
Full Degree Master
Master’s minor subject
Duration

1 semester

10 weeks, starts week 6
Placement
Spring
Schedulegroup
A
Capacity
30 stud.
Studyboard
Department of Psychology, Study Council
Contracting department
  • Department of Psychology
  • Department of Anthropology
Contracting faculty
  • Faculty of Social Sciences
Course Coordinator
  • Victoria Helen Southgate   (18-7b6e687974776e663378747a796d6c66796a4575787e33707a336970)
Saved on the 09-05-2025

Are you BA- or KA-student?

Are you bachelor- or kandidat-student, then find the course in the course catalog for students:

Courseinformation of students