Unit I

Unit I – Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience, and the Mind
Theories of cognitive psychology and neurosciences
Vedantic philosophy of cognition and mind

Unit II

Unit II – Executive Functioning
Introduction to executive functioning
You and your future self: Unfolding personal potential by connecting executive function, mental time-travel and emotional agility

Unit III

Unit III – The Power of Critical Thinking
The importance of higher-order cognitive skills (abstract, analytical, critical thinking skills; metacognition) for problem-solving and decision-making
Avoiding cognitive biases (e.g., social priming, stereotypes, attribution biases, confirmation bias)

Unit IV

Unit IV –Diversity in Cognition
Theories on how culture shapes our brains
Cross-cultural differences in skill acquisition and definition of achievement/success
Intense world theory (Markram & Markram, 2010) to explain neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, synesthesia)
Unique strengths of neurodivergent thinking

Unit V

Unit V – Harnessing Your Potential – Tools for Personal Growth and Happiness

• Introduction to mindfulness techniques to enhance cognitive efficiency
  • Self-reflection/analysis to cultivate awareness of obstacles and, such as focusing on the breath, noticing thoughts without judgment, utilizing body scan to enhance
    self-regulation, mindful movement
  • Coherence practices focused on heart rate variability
• Neural Correlates of noble values and principles that cultivate mental health and wellbeing
  • Accessing research-supported regenerative states through higher principles: gratitude, kindness, compassion & self-compassion, loving-kindness practices, and optimism
  • Research-supported methods for emotion regulation
  • Influence of negative cognitions on physical and mental distress and disorders
• Lab exposure: Use of different neurophysiology tools to experience and measure cognitive processes in Lab hours

Prerequisite: Good reading and writing skills in English

Summary:
Understand key concepts in cognitive psychology, neuroscience and the mind associated with the perception, pursuit and attainment of your full potential, including the cultural influences on these processes. Gain knowledge and experience of the mind, body, and brain interaction to maximize your potential, resilience, energy, emotional agility and sense of well-being.

Course Objectives:

1. Understand theories of cognitive psychology and neurosciences
2. Relate ancient philosophical concepts to cognition and mind
3. Implement cognitive strategies for enhancing well-being, personal efficacy, and executive functioning
4. Gain insights into the importance of critical thinking skills for problem-solving
5. Gain a deeper understanding of cultural variations in the definition and pursuit of skills and expertise
6. Appreciate the unique strengths of neurodivergent thinking
7. Analyze the role and diversity of cognitive functions in shaping the self

Course Outcomes:

CO1: Acquired knowledge of cognitive processes associated with the perception and pursuit of maximising potential.
CO2: Acquired knowledge and practice of the mind, brain, and body interactions to harness one’s potential and overall well-being.
CO3: Developed an understanding of the brain structures and neurophysiology underpinning perception, decision-making and regulation.
CO4: Understood how executive functioning can be optimized to unfold personal potential CO5: Gained insight into the power of critical thinking
CO6: Understood how to harness the power of cognitive diversity: Cultural diversity in cognitive functioning, as well as the unique potential of neurodivergent thinking

Skills:

• Critical reflection on the mind and cognition
• Appreciation of divergent thinking
• Personal and professional development strategies
• Executive function optimization
• Analytical and critical thinking skills to solve problems and make better decisions
• Cultural sensitivity in relation to cognitive functioning

Course outcomes CO – Program outcome PO – Mappings

Evaluation Pattern:

*CA – Can be Quizzes, Assignment, Projects, and Reports, and Seminar

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  long-term meditationL Larger hippocampal and frontal volumes of gray matter. NeuroImage, 45(3) 672-678. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2008.12.061
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