Course Information

About this course

Despite decades of scientific research and centuries of philosophical analysis, consciousness remains one of the greatest scientific challenges of our time. What is consciousness and which brain mechanisms shape the unique sense of self, implicit in all our thoughts and perceptions? How can we transform the subjectivity of human experience to an objective topic of research?

Through the lenses of behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, we explore both conceptual and methodological perspectives of relevance to the study of human consciousness. We critically analyze the obstacles and challenges inherent to the study of consciousness.

Syllabus

Spring 2026 – Section A

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Spring 2026 – Section B

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Prerequisites

One course in neuroscience, physiological psychology, biological psychology, or cognitive psychology at university level.

Travel on Study Tour

You only take one Core Course per semester, and each Core Course includes two Study Tours: one Short Study Tour to a nearby destination for three days, and one Long Study Tour to another European country for six days.

Led by your faculty, Study Tours take you into real-world settings where you will apply what you’ve learned outside the classroom.

Check out the Study Tours for this course
Students sitting on the floor in a modern building, engaging in a group activity with papers and notebooks scattered around.

Faculty

Ginevra Sperandio

M.Sc., Cognitive Neuroscience, Sapienza Università di Roma (IT) (2019 – 2021). PhD Candidate, Neuroscience (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow – Horizon 2020) Universität Heidelberg (DE) & Université Paris-Saclay (FR) 2021 – present. With DIS since 2025.

Dan-Anders Jirenhed

MSc in Cognitive Science from Linköping University (2001) and PhD in Neurophysiology from Lund University (2007). Prior to DIS, Dan worked as a Postdoctoral research fellow at Stanford University in the US (2009-2011) and as a researcher and teacher at Lund University (2011-2021). With DIS since 2024.

Long Study Tour

About this tour

This week-long Study Tour to Florence offers the opportunity to explore consciousness and cognition outside of the classroom. The tour will focus on our methods of studying consciousness through various methods of observation and bodily and mindful experiences. We will also reflect on the impact of culture on our understanding of consciousness.

Throughout the tour, you will explore your personal concept of consciousness in different socio-cultural and physical environments. The class will take part in an Urban Awareness Activity, designed to showcase the great city of Florence and help you learn more about the nuances in Italian history and culture.

Learning outcomes

  • Meet with leading European scientists in consciousness studies to critically discuss current research in the field

  • Test principles and theories within consciousness studies through physical and mental activities
  • Develop a deeper understanding of consciousness on the individual level by evaluating different settings throughout the week

Possible activities

  • Learn about the beliefs and values in Buddhism and the notion that the sense of a unified self is an illusion and the role of mediation in Buddhist practices.

  • Participate in a workshop amidst the wild and beautiful nature of Tuscany, where you will explore body awareness and sense of self
  • Test Ned Block´s claim that we perceive more than we can account for, by trying to identify the pre-conceptual experience of tastes and flavors during a guided wine tasting of local Italian wines.

Florence
Denmark

Short Study Tour

About this tour

During the academic visits, we will personally explore ‘phenomenal consciousness’ by participating in experiential activities and experience first-hand how easily the brain can generate subjective consciousness without objective cognitive processing. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the multi-faceted aspects of consciousness through discussion, debate, and interaction within a Northern European context.

The Study Tour program is supplemented with visits to help you learn more about history and culture of Western Denmark, and give you a more well-rounded understanding of the multi-disciplinary environment surrounding the study of human consciousness.

Learning outcomes

  • Experience different aspects of consciousness, i.e., ‘phenomenal’ and ‘access’ consciousness, from subjective and objective perspectives

  • Appreciate the difference between consciousness and cognition, i.e., ‘feeling own perception’ and ‘perceiving own feelings’

  • Deploy current theories of consciousness in our perception and understanding of human perspectives

Possible activities

  • Participate in a psychological workshop demonstrating the use of mental techniques to explore how this affects psychological responses

  • Walk the streets of a new city while limiting your perceptive senses to experience how cognition and awareness are altered

  • Visit a converted Danish monastery to examine ideas of collective consciousness and sense of self