Each week, an expert from the field will teach you about a specific topic related to the cognitive and affective neuroscience field. All topics covered are highly relevant as they contribute fundamental cognitive and emotional processes in decision-making. You will learn about topics such as: neurons and synapses, brain anatomy, attention, memory, learning, emotions, and decision-making.

In this course we use game theory to analyse optimal strategies for firms. After discussing the main concepts of game theory we apply these concepts to business strategy. We distinguish between the internal context and the external context of the firm.

In this course you learn about regression analysis. In applied economics this is a powerful tool to analyse empirical relationships. Particular attention will be paid to the statistical assumptions underlying the basic model. We will cover the analysis of: (1) experimental data, (2) panel data and (3) time series.

Classic economics assume agents to be rational and selfish. Behavioural economics challenge both assumptions. You will study individual choice: bounded rationality concepts in decisions under uncertainty, information processing, judgement, time preferences and heuristic decision-making. Also you will explore strategic interaction, especially social preferences and reciprocity.

The course will comprise a basic introduction to MATLAB, designed to be suitable for students with little or no prior programming knowledge. The programme will be based on introductory lectures and hands-on assignments, with the help and supervision of expert programmers. During the 1st part of the course, students will learn to apply basic functions and code in MATLAB. Building on the acquired knowledge, students will then be guided to program different tasks to acquire actual behavioural data.

In this course you will learn the basic methodology of experimental economics: how to design a simple experiment, including writing instructions. You will practice both with laboratory and field experimentation evolving around industrial organisation, labour economics, behavioural economics and individual and group decision-making.

This course introduces you to neuroscientific methods commonly used in neuroeconomics, social neuroscience and related disciplines. Focus is on functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), the most common research method in the field. You will learn about the physiological basis of the BOLD signal and how to use fMRI to identify the processes involved in decision-making. In tutorials, you will gain hands-on experience with pre-processing and analysing fMRI data with the software package SPM 12.

In this course, you will become familiar with neuroeconomics: a relatively new field of research. You will learn to understand its relevance for understanding economic behaviour. Topics you will cover are: (1) the mechanics of the brain and the techniques and methods used by neuroeconomists, (2) the value systems determining behaviour: goal-directed, habitual, and Pavlovian and (3) the interaction between emotion and cognition. Expect firing discussions on (potential) applications and ethical issues.

Formulating a good research question for your thesis can be challenging. This course helps you find one, by discussing your ideas with faculty members and fellow students.

The academic programme culminates in a thesis, which allows you to engage with state-of-the-art data analysis and statistical techniques. The Master’s thesis is the final requirement for your graduation. It is your chance to dive deep into a topic in your field of choice (track) that you are enthusiastic about, and allows you to do an independent research project. A professor of your track will supervise and support you in writing your thesis.