Lund University

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.

This course provides basic knowledge of social work in Sweden. The goal is to enhance theoretical and practical knowledge of social work in Sweden and highlight the different types of actors and contexts where social work operates (public, private, and voluntary sector). The course focuses on Swedish social work, but also embraces the students' prior knowledge and experiences of social work in different environments. In the first part of the course, students map their conception of social work in Sweden followed by a theoretical introduction to welfare and social work in Swedish society from a historical perspective to the present situation, including current changes. Legal aspects of the society and social work are highlighted. In the second part of the course, the focus is on practical social work. Students are introduced to different perspectives of social work through field studies and discussions with professional social workers and service users who represent different organizations and authorities.