Neuroscience Across the Lifespan

The aim of this course is to examine the process of neural development and function across the lifespan with an emphasis on related cognitive function. The biology of brain growth. Neural plasticity. Development of vision, orientation and attention. Development of numeracy and literacy in the brain. Social development. Cerebral lateralisation across development. Development of functional specialisation of the cortex. The effects of aging on neural activity during perception and attention, imagery, working memory, long-term and prospective memory. The distinction between healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease. Theories that relate cognitive and cerebral aging, including models accounting for functional neuroimaging evidence.