Please note: Programme and unit information may change as the relevant academic field develops.
We may also make changes to the structure of programmes and assessments to improve the student experience.
| Unit name |
Theoretical Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Methods |
| Unit code |
PSYCM0094 |
| Credit points |
30 |
| Level of study |
M/7
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
|
| Unit director |
Professor. Kit Pleydell-Pearce |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None
|
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None
|
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None
|
| School/department |
School of Psychological Science |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Life Sciences |
Unit Information
Part A: Theoretical Neuropsychology focuses upon key theoretical issues within Neuropsychology. This involves an overview of theories concerned with the cerebral bases of key cognitive and affective processes. This provides an understanding of issues that are at the frontiers of contemporary research and theory. Areas covered include emotion, reward, sleep, ageing, memory, language and theories of higher order brain function.
Part B: Neuroscience Methods reviews the functional neuroanatomy of the human brain, and thus provides an absolute core set of knowledge for Neuropsychology. This learning is coupled with a comprehensive and critical review of the major techniques and methods employed to study the human brain.
Your learning on this unit
On successful completion of this unit, a student will be able to:
demonstrate an understanding of a range of contemporary theories concerning cerebral bases of cognitive and affective functions.
demonstrate a capacity to understand the connection between academic neuropsychology/neuroscience and clinical practice issues. For example, how does an understanding of brain mechanisms of emotion influence our understanding of depression or anxiety? To demonstrate a synthesis of information from clinical practice and more academic approaches. To critically evaluate this interface.
develop a critical understanding of contemporary theories of brain function and evaluate the contribution of such knowledge within a clinical context.
synthesis and evaluation of information from a variety of sources. For example, to understand how scientific evidence about normal ageing can provide important insights into various forms of dementia.
develop an understanding of the principles of human brain function.
demonstrate knowledge of a range of techniques used to investigate the human brain.
develop a clear understanding of the principles underlying techniques employed to study the human brain and a capacity to evaluate the quality and usefulness of each technique.
demonstrate awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of different neuroscientific techniques and appraise and judge these in the context of formal assessments.
demonstrate a capacity to critically appreciate the kinds of information delivered by different neuroscientific techniques. To evaluate and appraise the ways in which convergence of different techniques provides a more holistic level of understanding at differing spatial and temporal scales.
synthesise information based on brain imaging with our understanding of the consequences of brain injury.
appreciate the limits of current understanding of the human brain how this relates to current limits in spatial and temporal resolution. To produce critical evaluations based upon awareness of these limits.
How you will learn
Parts A and B: Weekly lectures deliver clinical content of a total of 20 hours. This meets strict accreditation requirements for professional programmes conferring the highest UK award for professional training in clinical neuropsychology.
How you will be assessed
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
A 2000-word coursework essay on a topic covered in Part A of the unit which provides 50% of total unit mark.
In Part B, there is a timed assessment worth 50% of the total unit mark.
Resources
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the
Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each
weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it
via the Resource Lists homepage.
Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PSYCM0094).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
