PSY4313 – Music Cognition
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This module focuses on the cognitive psychology and neuroscience of music; a fundamental and universal human trait. The main theoretical directions in the field will be introduced and evaluated through empirical evidence gathered using a variety of methods, including neuroimaging, behavioral experiments, computational modelling, effects of localized brain lesions (e.g., cases of amusia), and evidence from comparative psychology. The lectures will cover the processes of auditory attention and perception (of pitch, rhythm, and tonality), musical imagery and memory, prediction and anticipation, musical training and brain plasticity, cross-modal perception, embodied and social cognition, and peak emotional experiences with music. These topics will be approached both in terms of the cognitive processes involved as well as the functions and potential evolutionary basis of human music-making.
Learning outcome
The aim of this course is to introduce students to
- the cognitive processes involved in various musical activities
- how the human mind/brain achieves the understanding, making, and appreciation of music; an illuminating example of multi-level human cognition, motor control and executive function
- how studying cognition in the musical domain can inform us about the functioning of our brains more generally
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Overlapping courses
- 5 credits overlap with MCT4313.
Teaching
7 lectures á 2h, plus 3 seminars (with student presentations) á 2h.
Examination
The exam consists of two elements:
- a group presentation based on 2-3 published studies (a range of topics & studies will be provided)
- an individual reflection note based on the topic of the presentation (1000-1500 words)
Both exams will be graded.
Examination support material
Generating all or part of the exam answer using AI tools such as Chat GPT or similar is not allowed.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.