Newcastle University

Aims

The module presents state of the art knowledge and experience from clinical experts and researchers specialising in the health of older people. It is a review in-depth of clinical aspects of health in older age and is appropriate to clinicians and non-clinicians alike. It will have a thematic emphasis on (i) interactions between the biological, clinical and social aspects of ageing at many levels, and (ii) innovation and knowledge transfer, to release the potential economic and social benefits of advances in gerontology through engagement with business, health and social care services, and the community. This module may also be taken as a stand alone 20 credit module and as part of the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research. The module encourages students to:

• Gain a comprehensive knowledge of current clinical knowledge and high level research in a variety of the major age-related disorders.
• Develop an understanding of ageing in health and disease and the future needs and questions for research.
• Understand public health needs of ageing populations and the global impact of an ageing population.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module syllabus involves discussion of the major areas of health care in an ageing population including:

• The epidemiology of ageing & age-associated impairment
• Mental health including: dementia & depression
• Physical health including: stroke, movement disorders, visual disorders, gastrointestinal disease, musculoskeletal problems & osteoporosis, oral health and nutrition, diabetes
• The interactions of chronic diseases in ageing & health
• Developments in solutions to impairment & use of assistive technologies in rehabilitation.
• Current research developments in ageing & health

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module will be delivered by e-learning via blackboard VLE. The curriculum will be delivered through a series of guided learning opportunities including e-based activities, online materials and discussion boards. Students will be asked to prepare paperwork for formative and summative assessment and submit these for assessment through VLE. The work for summative assessment will use the knowledge acquired, their individual feedback, notes and other sources. Student work will be submitted and feedback given electronically via BlackBoard VLE. The course material will provide students with current specialist knowledge from clinical experts in the field of ageing and health.
Critical appraisal, data interpretation and presentation skills will be practiced in on-line activities and assignments (all key skills outcomes) and the discussion board interaction will encourage the students to reflect on their learning. All of these activities relate directly to the learning outcomes above.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The reflective web journal tests the student’s comprehension, breadth and application of knowledge acquired throughout the module. The essay tests understanding and ability to critically evaluate data presented. The presentation will involve submission of slides for assessment and then presentation via conference call; this tests the student’s ability to present data (communication skills) and the level of their understanding of the subject in the context of a particular example. Engagement in discussion board activity is worth 5% of the overall marks available for the presentation. This will promote student participation.