Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2009-2010 (archived)

Module PSYC40815: MATLAB Programming

Department: Psychology

PSYC40815: MATLAB Programming

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2009/10
Tied to C8K109

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide students with advanced knowledge of MATLAB programming language
  • To provide students with the skills to relate programming skills to cognitive neuroscience research

Content

  • General programming skills
  • Programming skills specific to MATLAB
  • Using MATLAB to programme equipment used in cognitive neuroscience research

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Acquisition of knowledge about the programming language MATLAB and its use in cognitive neuroscience experiments
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Be able to design and write a computer programme with a specific experimental aim
Key Skills:
  • Developing the ability to learn independently within broad guidelines

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Workshops will allow students to work in small groups for problem based teaching of MATLAB
  • Workshops will allow for small group teaching and student-led discussion to develop programming skills
  • Workshops will therefore support students in learning independently and develop their oral communication skills
  • Students' understanding of programming using MATLAB will be formatively assessed through the course of the module using problem solving and multiple choice questions
  • Students' ability to design and write a computer programme for a specific experimental aim will be summatively assessed by the completion and submission of such a programme

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Programming Workshops 20 Weekly (in Michaelmas and Epiphany terms) 2 hours 40
Preparation and reading 110
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Programming Task Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Computer programme as required 100%

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment will be continuous throughout the module and will involve responding to multiple choice questions and problem solving


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University