Higher cognitive functions
The course will present central theoretical and empirical issues related to higher cognitive functions with a specific focus on cognitive control functions.
One aim of the course is to examine different forms of higher cognitive functions by focusing on the relation among executive functioning, attention, memory and metacognition. The course will deal with individual and developmental differences in executive control functions. The course also aims at elucidating the interplay between emotional and cognitive control and their underlying neural mechanisms.
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from your department
On this page you will shortly find information on registration, learning platform, etc.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
One aim of the course is to examine different forms of higher cognitive functions by focusing on the relation among executive functioning, attention, memory and metacognition. The course will deal with individual and developmental differences in executive control functions. The course also aims at elucidating the interplay between emotional and cognitive control and their underlying neural mechanisms.
Information for new students autumn 2024
Please check below for important information to new students autumn 2024.
Mandatory registration
The semester starts on 2 September and in order to keep your place on the course, you must complete the mandatory registration!
Registration takes place 12–23 August in Ladok for students. To be able to log in to Ladok, you must first activate your university account, find link below. If you do not have a Swedish personal identity number, please get in touch with us (studieadmin@psychology.su.se) and ask for a one-time activation code before 22 August.
If you have problems with your registration, you must contact the Student Affairs Office at studieadmin@psychology.su.se no later than 22 August.
Conditionally admitted?
If you are admitted with conditions (that is, you do not yet meet the eligibility requirements), you will not be able to register online until your eligibility is confirmed. You must provide us with proof of eligibility (for example, a copy of your final transcript and diploma) before 14 August, to studieadmin@psychology.su.se.
Helpful links
Athena (Student learning platform)
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Course structure
From the syllabus: These [cognitive] control functions, often referred to as executive functions, are assumed to mediate goal-directed behavior and involve planning, coordination and updating of complex intentions. Executive control functions are also central to most higher mental activities, including abstract thinking and problem solving, autobiographic memory, self-image, and social interactions. A variety of neuropsychiatric disorders are associated with impairments and deficits in these functions.
This course will be given in the third quarter of the autumn semester.
Course syllabus
Higher cognitive functions, 7,5 credits, autumn 2021 (126 Kb)
Teaching format
The course consists of lectures, seminars and exercises.
See more details below and in the course syllabus.
Course Objectives
After completing the course, students should be better able to analyse and critically reflect on central issues of higher cognitive functions.
Students are also expected to gain deeper understanding of: executive functions and their relation to other higher cognitive functions, construct validity and measurement problems within the research area, emotional control and their relation to higher cognitive functions, and developmental trends in executive control function.
Assessment
The examination is based on an individual written assignment.
For further details, see the course syllabus.
Examiner
Course leader: Professor Jonas Olofsson, jonas.olofsson@psychology.su.se
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
A complete list of course readings is found in the course syllabus.
The list is subject to change until two months prior to the start of the course. In case the new course syllabus is missing on this page by then, please check with the course leader before you buy any expensive books etc.
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Course reports
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More information
This course is offered as an elective course in the International two-year master’s program in psychology, 120 credits.
The course is also offered as a freestanding course on advanced level.
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Contact
Registered students should primarily use Athena for teacher communication.
To contact the Student office or a Student Councellor, see below.
Student office - Master's levelMadeleine ArnwaldStudy Councellor and Student Administrator
Study councellor - Master's level
