Schedule, syllabus and examination date

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 – 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

The course is available to students admitted to Music, Communication and Technology (master) and Musicology (master).

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

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)

The compulsory activity is only valid within the current semester. All compulsory activities must be approved in order for you to sit the exam. You are responsible for keeping track of any absences, and for checking that you have everything approved.

This is how you apply for a valid absence from compulsory activity/compulsory attendance.

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%)

You have to fulfill the requirements of the compulsory activities to sit the exam.

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

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 11:37:42 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Master
Credits
10
Teaching
Autumn
Examination
Autumn
Teaching language
English

Contact

Department of Musicology