PY3NTP: Neurodegeneration: Theory and Practice

Module code: PY3NTP

Module provider: Psychology; School of Psych and Clin Lang Sci

Credits: 20

Level: Level 3 (Honours)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Samrah Ahmed, email: samrah.ahmed@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Lydia Yee, email: t.yee@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 23 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's and Parkinson’s disease affect up to one billion people worldwide. This module will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the theoretical models that have shaped our understanding of the clinical, sequelae of neurodegeneration, the key brain mechanisms implicated, and the evidence-base for emerging interventions. The module will draw heavily from current and past research in the field giving you experience of critical evaluation of scientific research and theoretical models relevant to human neurodegeneration.  

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Analyse cognitive models and theoretical perspectives that underpin common cognitive symptoms implicated in selected neurodegenerative conditions. 
2. Critically evaluate empirical research on key topics in neurodegeneration. 
3. Communicate knowledge and understanding of empirical research in neurodegeneration to a non-specialist audience. 

Module content

The module will include interactive lectures and seminars. We will begin with critical discussion of theoretical models of the hippocampal system and the frontostriatal system, classically known for their roles in human memory and movement. We will go on to examine some consequences of neurodegeneration in these systems, discussing conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease, i. By considering classic and contemporary theories of hippocampal and frontostriatal functions, you will learn how neuropathology in these systems result in the clinical characteristics and behavioural sequelae in these conditions. We will critically appraise the role of multiple cognitive networks within the brain, alongside memory, and examine theoretical perspectives that seek to explain common symptoms. Current and emerging interventions will be discussed i  and critically evaluated in the context of research and care in these challenging conditions . 

The module will integrate the BPS core areas of Cognitive Psychology, Biological Psychology, Individual Differences, Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology, and Research Methods.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

This module will be taught via 10, two-hour lectures. Four of these lectures will be supplemented by a one-hour seminar which will expand upon taught content.   

The module will include a variety of learning methods, including lectures, seminars, presentations and practical activities. Students will also be expected to undertake independent reading to prepare for lectures and for the assessments. During lectures and seminars, digital tools (e.g.Mentimeter) will be used to facilitate learning activities and gain interim feedback. Web-based digital resources (e.g. videos, podcasts, digital brain atlases) will be used to explore the characteristics of different neurodegenerative disorders.  

Study hours

At least 24 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

As preparation for the poster assignment, students will prepare/deliver brief group presentations in seminars where they critically evaluate an empirical paper for communication to a lay audience, suggesting constructive improvements for the study and will receive verbal feedback on this. Formative feedback from peers during the poster conference will inform students approach to the final poster submission. 

Formative activities will prepare students well for the essay. 

Reassessment

Additional costs