Cognitive Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on studying the neural underpinnings of cognitive processes such as thinking, memory, learning, perception, and attention. These major combines neuroscience and cognitive psychology to understand how the brain works at the level of neurons and neural systems to support cognitive functions.

Fields of study in cognitive neuroscience:
Neural Basis of Cognition:

• Brain anatomy: The study of the different neural structures and functions in the brain and how they interact to support cognitive processes.
• Brain Functions: Understanding how different areas of the brain contribute to cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and perception.

Cognitive Processes:

• Memory: Study of different types of memory, such as short-term, long-term, and practical memory, and how they are formed, stored, and retrieved.
• Learning: Analysis of the neural processes that support learning and the acquisition of new skills.
• Sensory perception: The study of how sensory information from the environment is processed and transformed into perceptual experiences.

Neuroimaging and Electrophysiology:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI): The use of imaging techniques to study neural activity in the brain while performing cognitive tasks.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): Measurement of the brain’s electrical activity to understand neural dynamics during cognitive processes.

Cognitive Neurological Disorders:

• Memory Disorders: The study of disorders that affect memory such as Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.
• Learning Disorders: Understanding disorders that affect learning such as dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Neuropsychology:

• Neuropsychological evaluation: The use of psychological tests to evaluate cognitive and neurological functions.
• Neurorehabilitation: Developing therapeutic strategies to improve cognitive functions after brain injury or neurological disease.

Computational Neuroscience Models:

• Computational Modeling: Developing computer models to understand how neural systems work and support cognitive processes.
• Artificial Intelligence: Using artificial intelligence techniques to understand and analyze complex neural data.

Required skills:

• Extensive scientific knowledge: in the fields of neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and biology.
• Analytical and research skills: the ability to analyze neurological and cognitive data and conduct field and laboratory research.
• Technical abilities: to use modern tools and techniques such as fMRI and EEG.
• Communication skills: to transfer knowledge and interact with research teams, patients, and the scientific community.
• Critical thinking: to interpret and analyze data and results accurately.

Work fields:

• Academic research: Working in universities and research institutions to conduct scientific research in cognitive neuroscience.
• Hospitals and Medical Centers: Providing evaluation and treatment for patients with neurocognitive disorders.
• Technology and artificial intelligence companies: developing technologies based on understanding neural and cognitive processes.
• Governmental bodies: Contributing to the development of health policies and programs related to neurological and cognitive health.
• Education: Teaching cognitive neuroscience in schools and universities.

The importance of cognitive neuroscience:

• Understanding the Brain: Contributes to understanding how the brain works to support complex cognitive processes.
• Development of treatments: Helps in developing effective treatment strategies for neurocognitive disorders.
• Improving education: contributes to the development of educational methods based on a scientific understanding of the brain and cognition.
• Technology Development: Supports the development of new technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Cognitive neuroscience applications:

• Clinical Therapy: Developing and improving treatments for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and autism.
• Improving teaching and learning: applying cognitive knowledge to improve teaching and learning strategies.
• Technology development: Using the principles of cognitive neuroscience to develop technologies such as brain-computer interfaces.
• Scientific research: Conducting research to understand complex neural processes and analyze neural data.

The field of Cognitive Neuroscience combines scientific knowledge with practical applications to understand how the brain supports cognitive processes, making it a highly influential field in improving mental and neurological health and promoting technological and educational developments.