2014/2015  BA-BHAAV6014U  Neuroeconomics

English Title

Neuroeconomics

Course information
Language	English
Course ECTS	7.5 ECTS
Type	Elective
Level	Bachelor
Duration	One Semester
Course period	Autumn
Timetable	Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Max. participants	60
Study board	Study Board for BSc in Economics and Business Administration
Course coordinator
Thomas Ramsøy - Department of Marketing (Marketing)
Main academic disciplines
Business psychology Marketing
Last updated on 09-04-2014

Learning objectives

At the end of the course the student should be able to: Have a basic understanding and ability to reflect on the contemporary theories of neuroscience pertaining decision-making and rational models of consumer choice and be able to apply these to a business solution Discuss pros and cons of the traditional approaches in comparison to the modern research approaches introduced in the course Show the ability to structure the knowledge and to be able to criticize and reflect the ideas upon the business cases in groups.

Examination

Individual Home Assignment: Exam ECTS 7,5 Examination form Home assignment - written product Individual or group exam Individual The student will be expected to demonstrate understanding of the neuroscience literature taught throughout the course and to show ability to apply that knowledge to a business or practical case Size of written product Max. 10 pages Assignment type Written assignment Duration 2 weeks to prepare Grading scale 7-step scale Examiner(s) One internal examiner Exam period December/January Make-up exam/re-exam Same examination form as the ordinary exam

Course content and structure

Why do we make so many mistakes? What is it about our biology that affects the way we think and act?  In order to better understand how we make decisions, contemporary approaches to the study of motivation and rationality in economic decision-making will be presented and discussed in light of recent advances in brain science. The combination of economics, psychology and modern neuroscience – known as neuroeconomics– will be used comprehensively throughout the course. Specifically, the role of cognition and emotions in individual choice is in focus, as well as the basic mental/neural mechanisms underlying motivation and decision-making. The course provides an opportunity for students to (a) inform their basic understanding of how the brain comes to a decision at the basic psychological and neuronal levels, (b) the effects of external stimuli on motivation and decision-making, cognitive, affective and behavioral levels, and (c) learn to think biological perspectives into decision-making strategies.

Teaching methods

Lectures. Readings will be assigned topically for each session, and students will be required to prepare for each session and be ready to discuss topics and solve problems given in class in groups.

Further Information

Changes in course schedule may occur. Friday 11.40-14.15, week 36-47.

Expected literature

Full list of expected literature will be announced later.   Mandatory Literature: Glimcher, P.W. (2011). Foundations of Neuroeconomic Analysis, Oxford Press   Neuroeconomics Compendium, with topically selected readings.