MCT4313 ¨C Music Cognition

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. The course has joint teaching with PSY4313 ¨C Music Cognition.

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 PSY4313 ¨C Music Cognition.

Teaching

• 7 lectures of 2h

• 3 seminars (with student presentations) of 2h.

Compulsory Activity

• a group or an individual presentation based on 1-3 published studies (a range of topics & studies will be provided)

Examination

Portfolio

• ?An individual reflection note on the topic of the compulsory presentation, based on the same 1-3 published studies (1000-1500 words)
• Term paper (aprox. 2000 words, +/-10%)

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.

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.