Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience

Code

PSGY4069

School

Psychology

Level

4

Credits

20

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This module will examine interrelations between psychological and biological development. Further emphasized in the module is the study of brain development and resulting cognitive, social, and emotional development from the prenatal period through adulthood. This module covers neurocognitive development and neurocognitive processing in both typical and atypical development, including social and affective aspects. Methods of neurocognitive investigation will be explored.

Target Students

Students on the MSc Psychology Conversion by distance learning only

Classes

• One 2-hour lecture each week for 20 weeks

Student will engage in 1 hour of online working group discussion per week. Within these working groups, students will explore topics presented during the weekly lecture more deeply. Group discussions will be monitored by teaching faculty and will help students develop a deeper understanding of the topics presented, allow students to apply new knowledge, and help develop professional communication skills. Total time working on the module including self study is recommended to be 200 hours.

Assessment

• 100% Coursework 1: 4000 words

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding
i.    Develop the ability to understand some of the major theories and models in developmental cognitive neuroscience
ii.    Understand the scientific underpinning of the understanding of different disorders and differences in cognition
iii.    Recognise the diversity of application of psychology 
iv.    Demonstrate a critical understanding of the application of developmental cognitive neuroscience

Intellectual Skills 
i.    Reason scientifically and demonstrate the relationship between theory and evidence
ii.    Can adopt multiple perspectives 
iii.    Can pose and operationalise research questions 
iv.    Provide evidence-based reasoning to establish the merits of competing psychological explanation 
v.    Produce written argument which shows critical appraisal and good understanding of the main issues central to the topics 
vi.    Develop a broader knowledge base of the subject’s studies via independent and appropriate reading 
vii.    Integrate the theoretical and applied nature of the topics where appropriate 
viii.    Provide evidence and support to argue the merits of the various approaches to personality in psychology
ix.    Appropriately interpret findings from studies of personality within health, occupational, criminological, and abnormal psychology in relation to hypothesis testing, methods, and analysis 
 

Transferable (key) Skills 
i.    Can communicate ideas and research findings both effectively and fluently 
ii.    Can solve problems by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions, and evaluating outcomes 
iii.    Can undertake self-directed study and project management to meet desired objectives 
iv.    Evidence of academic skills (essay writing, library research, independent study) 
•    Demonstrate evidence-based analysis and critical appraisal
•    Supply formal presentation and argument in analysis of evidence
•    Produce well-organised and structured written work
•    Work independently
•    Perform effective literature searches
•    Present written argument in concise and time-restricted manner

Conveners

• Dr Aneeza Pervez