Topics in Cognitive Neuropsychiatry
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PSTY4046 | Psychiatry and Applied Psychology | 4 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- PSTY4046
- School
- Psychiatry and Applied Psychology
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module introduces research methods for investigating the neural processes that underlie cognitive function in mental health and illness. Sessions will consist of a mixture of lectures, group work (informal student-led presentations), workshops, and self-directed learning.
Topics will include:
An introduction to neuroimaging methods (including MRI, PET, EEG, MEG, TMS) and task design (incl. ethical considerations)
Neuroanatomy and functional connectivity between brain regions underlying psychological function
The neuropsychiatry of key transdiagnostic psychological dimensions, including:
o Reality distortion
o Disorganisation
o Motivation
o Mood
o Inhibitory control and impulsivity
o Attention
o Anxiety
o Moral evaluation
o Social cognition
Relevance of these dimensions to the diagnosis and treatment (pharmacological, cognitive and behavioural) of psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, mood disorders, personality disorders, ADHD, autism)
Target Students
MSc in Mental Health: Research and Practice students, PG Diploma in Mental Health: Research and Practice students, PG Certificate in Mental Health: Research and Practice students.
Classes
- One 2-hour seminar each week for 6 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks
1 x 2 hour lectures for 12 weeks (NB: Weeks 3-12; 2 weeks include 2 lectures) 1 x 2 hour seminars/workshops for 6 weeksIndependent reading and assessment
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: A 2.500-word essay chosen from a list of topics covered in taught sessions
- 50% Coursework 2: A 2.500-word research protocol to address a research question in cognitive neuropsychiatry
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
The module will provide students with an understanding of the neural processes underlying the psychological dimensions of psychiatric syndromes and their presentation in psychiatric disorders. It will introduce them to neuroimaging tools, equip them to critically appraise published research in the area and lay the foundations for using this knowledge in their own research.Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, students should have: a) Knowledge and Understanding
- Acquired a working knowledge of neuroimaging models & approaches in mental health research, esp. neuroimaging techniques
- Acquired an understanding of the controversies surrounding the diagnosis and treatment options of mental health disorders by exploring transdiagnostic dimensions common to psychiatric disorders
- Acquired an appreciation of the cognitive and affective mechanisms proposed to underlie disorders of mental health and how these relate to underlying neural bases
b) Intellectual Skills
- Developed the ability to critically appraise various research theories and methodologies (e.g. neuroimaging techniques) used in the field of mental health
- Developed an ability to critically appraise theoretical arguments and/ or applied research findings across a wide range of disciplines in the field of mental health
c) Transferable (key) skills
- Developed an ability to present others’ research findings in the field of mental health in written format
- Developed scientific thinking skills to enable the appraisal of research in the field of mental health
- Developed scientific thinking skills to enable the formulation of research in the field of mental health
d) Professional Skills
- Developed an ability to critically appraise theory, methods and results of neuroimaging research from a wide range of disciplines in the field of mental health
- Acquired a working knowledge of ethics and research governance structures and processes relevant to the use of neuroimaging in the field of mental health