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SCIENCE 2SD1

LIVELab Research Methods – Analyzing Electrophysiology Data

Instructor: Dr. John Iversen, Hany Tawfik, Department of Psychology, Neurology, and Behaviour – McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind (livelab@mcmaster.ca)

Location: Psychology Bullding, Computer Lab (Tentative)

Dates: Week of May 19, 2025 or May 26, 2025 (May 20/21 Tentative)

Enrolment Capacity: 5-15 students

Research Discipline: Psychology & Neuroscience

Course Rationale:We are looking to target prospective and current PNB undergraduate students with research interests to develop skills relevant to electrophysiology data analysis in research. Students will learn how to use electrophysiology data to answer research questions with the aim of rolling these skills into a project course (2QQ/3QQ) or senior thesis that will require experience in analyzing such data.

Expandable List

Proposed Training

On day 1, students will learn the concepts of data analysis and statistics relevant to the data they will be working with. They will then learn the basics of coding in Python. Throughout the rest of day 1 and for day 2, they will learn to pre-process, filter, and analyize electroencephalography (EEG) and other electrophysiology data using tools such as MATLAB and Python.

Learning Outcomes and Science Career Competencies 

  • Students will learn how to use the data collected in the first workshop to answer their research questions.
  • Students will collaborate and work in small groups to support each other’s learning, as well as build critical thinking skills through creating large platforms of code.

How Successful Learning Outcomes Are Determined

Throughout the workshop, students will create a Python script for pre-processing and analyzing the data that are collected. They will be asked to submit this script with visualizations of the analyses conducted to the OUR and to the class to discuss findings.

Required Components for Passing Grade

Attend both six hour sessions and successfully create an electrophysiology data analysis pipeline using Python and/or MATLAB.

PSYCH 1X03 minimum prerequisite, PSYCH 1XX3 preferred. Preference will be given to students who have completed the preceding electrophysiology data collection workshop.

Students who miss sessions will be asked to perform indepedent study work to generate a similar analysis script to those created in class.

To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 2SD1 – 1-Unit Experiential Course Application Form – Spring/Summer 2025 online.