Sweden

The goal of this course is to introduce the operation of computer systems at the level of Instruction Set Architectures (ISA). It provides a basic understanding of the design principles that govern modern computer architectures and their components. Special attention is paid to (super scalar) pipelining and memory hierarchy techniques including caches. Implementation and efficiency issues are exemplified. Metrical performance analysis methods are discussed to evaluate architectural alternatives. The course introduces the foundations of low-level computer functioning. The main topics include computer systems, low-level programming techniques, the techniques of RISC processors and pipelining, cache memory, and virtual memory. The course also illuminates the alternative design principles of modern computer architectures in order to provide an understanding of their impact on performance. Quantitative methods to evaluate design principles for performance constitute an important subject of the course.

The course comprises readings and discussions designed to elucidate the cultural and intellectual backgrounds of representative texts from the 20th century.

Through theoretical studies and practical exercises, the course conveys knowledge about the structure and function of the brain and key areas of modern cognitive neuroscience, such as attention, memory, language, cognitive control, emotions, and social interaction. The understanding of normal function is the primary focus of the course, but clinical examples are used as they provide substantial illustrations of normal functioning. The course includes relevant research methods within the area, and major emphasis is placed on the interdisciplinary nature of the subject.

The course consists of three modules. Module 1 (Introduction to Brain Function) provides basic knowledge of neuroanatomy, brain development and change, cellular function and communication, and basic brain functions, such as sensory processing, perception, motor function, and motivation. Important methods to study cognitive functions, mental processes, the activity of the brain, and functional anatomy are described. Module 2 (Higher Cognitive Functions) focuses on attention and cognitive control, memory, language, social interaction, problem solving and thinking, and decision making. This module communicates knowledge about the neurocognitive basis of emotion and how cognitive function is influenced by emotion and introduces different types of brain damage and psychoorganic syndromes. Students participate in laboratory demonstrations to train important skills for conducting empirical studies in cognitive neuroscience, including reporting the results in accordance with the international norms for publication in psychology. Module 3 (Project Work) includes a literature review but can also consist of a short empirical-oriented project.