Bachelor
2023/2024
Introduction to Neuroeconomics: How the Brain Makes Decisions
Type:
Compulsory course (Urban Planning)
Area of studies:
Urban Planning
Delivered by:
Vysokovsky Graduate School of Urbanism
When:
5 year, 3 module
Mode of studies:
distance learning
Online hours:
30
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Instructors:
Anna Shepelenko
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Contact hours:
10
Course Syllabus
Abstract
Neurourbanism represents a convergence of neuroscience, urban studies, and social sciences aimed at fostering the development of more livable and sustainable cities. This emerging discipline equips biologists, city planners, psychologists, and social scientists with insights into how urban infrastructure influences public health, emotional well-being, and behavioral patterns. A significant emphasis is placed on neurobiological mechanisms related to the perception of urban environments. The exploration includes an examination of cutting-edge research utilizing brain-imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), as well as eye tracking, along with an analysis of the theoretical frameworks that underpin these methodologies.
Learning Objectives
- Awareness of the subject of neurourbanism, its foundations and connections with other branches of knowledge
- Knowledge of the basic methods of neurourban research
- Knowledge of the effects that urban environments have on behavior, emotions, and mental health
- Knowledge of the role of neuronal and physiological activity in the perception of the urban environment
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Describe the main structures of the brain
- Describe and compare basic neuroeconomic theories
- Describe the functions of brain areas associated with a decision-making process
- Describe the neural basis of social interactions and social decision-making
- Describe and compare animal and human decision-making mechanisms
- Describe the role of emotions in decision-making
- Describe the methods used for neuroeconomics research
- Describe the methods used for neurourban research
- Describe the main directions of neurourban research
- Describe the role of emotions in the perception of the urban environment
- Describe the neurophysiological basis of emotions
- Describe how different environments affect brain activity and associated mood response
- Describe how individual differences may influence perceptions of the urban environment
- Analyze how specific architectural elements in local neighborhood affect mental state, behavior and brain activity
- Describe the main factors in the urban environment that have a negative impact on emotional state and mental health
- Describe the main uses of nudging elements in urban environments
Assessment Elements
- Online courseOnline course in Smart LMS "Introduction to Neuroeconomics: How the Brain Makes Decisions"
- Class attendance
- Class participation
- Group PresentationThe group presentation consists of 7-10 min PowerPoint report followed by 5 min group discussion
- Exam
Interim Assessment
- 2023/2024 3rd moduleOnline course*0.400 + Class participation*0.200 + Class attendance*0.050 + Group Presentation*0.100 + Exam (Essay)*0.250
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Baars, B. J., & Gage, N. M. (2010). Cognition, Brain, and Consciousness : Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience (Vol. 2nd ed). Burlington, MA: Elsevier Ltd. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=320761
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Bechara, A., Damasio, H., & Damasio, A. R. (2000). Emotion, Decision Making and the Orbitofrontal Cortex. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.318926CF
- Johansen, J. P., Tarpley, J. W., LeDoux, J. E., & Blair, H. T. (2010). Neural substrates for expectation-modulated fear learning in the amygdala and periaqueductal gray. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.A016BF4C
- Мозг, познание, разум: введение в когнитивные нейронауки : в 2 т : учебное пособие / под редакцией Б. Баарса, Н. Гейдж , перевод с английского В. В. Шульговского. — 5-е изд. — Москва : Лаборатория знаний, 2021. — 1019 с. — ISBN 978-5-93208-547-9. — Текст : электронный // Лань : электронно-библиотечная система. — URL: https://e.lanbook.com/book/166742 (дата обращения: 00.00.0000). — Режим доступа: для авториз. пользователей.