Exploring Cognition

Overview

Please note this course is now running from 2pm - 5pm instead of the originally scheduled 10am - 1pm.

Psychologists have studied human information processing in its many forms for over 100 years. In Cognition we use experiments and forms of dysfunction to inform how typical perceptual and memory functions work. We have a detailed knowledge about these systems: how they work, how they inter-relate, and the effects of dysfunction, brain injury or illness (such as dementia). We are also able to demonstrate the particular foibles of our cognitive systems and how our brains fool us, some of which will be demonstrated in the sessions.

Sessions will focus on perceptual processes (how we interpret the visual world), attention (what happens when we are focussed on something in particular), short-term memory (memory for information measured in seconds and minutes), and long-term memory (memory for information measured in days and weeks).

Although studying some of these processes in depth, the material is presented in an interactive and light-hearted way to inspire and intrigue students: using case studies, in-class experiments and other demonstrations, the evidence from the literature will be brought to life.

Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 UTC on 27 January 2025.

Programme details

All times GMT (UTC)

Thursday 30 January 2025

10am
Neuroanatomy and perception

11.15am
Break

11.45am
Attention: the link between perception and memory processes

1pm
End of day

Friday 31 January 2025

10am
Short-term memory, modal memory, working memory

11.15am
Break

11.45am
Long-term memory systems, forgetting in its many forms

1pm
End of day

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £120.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Jane Pollock

Independent Consultant and Researcher

Jane is a Chartered Psychologist, an Independent Consultant in Organisational Psychology, and a tutor and lecturer in Psychology and Statistics. She has a history of highly successful courses in both Psychology and Business streams, and takes a practical approach to a subject crucial to the success of people in organisations.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the price, but if you wish to stay with us the night before the course, then please contact our Residential Centre.

Accommodation in Rewley House - all bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms. Please contact our Residential Centre on +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk for details of availability and discounted prices. For more information, please see our website: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/accommodation

IT requirements

The University of Oxford uses Microsoft Teams for our learning environment, where students and tutors will discuss and interact in real time. Joining instructions will be sent out prior to the start date. We recommend that you join the session at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start time – just as you might arrive a bit early at our lecture theatre for an in-person event.

If you have not used the Microsoft Teams app before, once you click the joining link you will be invited to download it (this is free). Once you have downloaded the app, please test before the start of your course. If you are using a laptop or desktop computer, you will also be offered the option of connecting using a web browser. If you connect via a web browser, Chrome is recommended.

Please note that this course will not be recorded.