Course Description

We are all emotional beings. Have you ever wondered what exactly emotion is? Why do we have them? Do animals experience joy or grief? Can robots develop feelings? To what degree are we controlling our emotions—or are they controlling us? It is important to explore the origins and nature of human emotions, as they strongly affect human behavior. To explore the questions above, we need to draw upon knowledge in different fields, including philosophy, psychology, and biology. The central aim of this course is to provide a new understanding of emotion through linking subjective experiences to objective scientific studies of the human brain and cognition. Through analysis of perspectives and theories from multiple disciplines, this course invites you to explore the very essence of what makes us human.

Course Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the complex human behavioral patterns related to emotion from a neuroscientific perspective.
2. Describe the main research approaches and technologies being used in Neuroscience for studying human emotion and how they provide new insights and understanding about our brain.
3. Identify tangible research questions related to emotion/cognition and brain.
4. Better understand and make scientific judgement on the neuroscientific news reported by the media, clarify the exaggerated reports and myths for their surrounding people.
5. Describe the current development and limitations of neuroscience in investigating human’s mind and link them to personal interests and pursuits.

Offer Semester and Day of Teaching

Second semester (Wed)