Module Catalogue 2024/25

SPE8159 : MSc Brain and Behaviour across the Lifespan I: Neuropsychology

SPE8159 : MSc Brain and Behaviour across the Lifespan I: Neuropsychology

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Nick Riches
  • Co-Module Leader: Dr Vic Knowland, Dr Christos Salis
  • Lecturer: Dr Laurence White
  • Owning School: Education, Communication & Language Sci
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

- To give an overview of concepts in neuropsychology by focusing on mid-/late-childhood and adolescence/young adulthood.
- To understand the links between language and broader cognition
- To understand the relationship between brain and behaviour and how to study that relationship
- To understand theoretical models of neuropsychology
- To understand neuropsychological impairments (including traumatic brain injury and attention/memory impairment in young people) of particular relevance to speech and language therapy practice
- To understand the different types of memory and their impairments and what impact they have on speech/language performance and therapy
- To understand perception and its impairment and what impact it has on speech and language performance and therapy
- In each case, impairments will be considered in relation to their wider impact on the client and the influence of sociological context.
- To understand the behavioural traits and needs of children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

The module addresses the following HCPC Standards of Practice:

12.5 understand the theoretical basis of, and the variety of approaches to, assessment and intervention taking account of the need to modify approaches in line with cultural, religious and linguistic needs

2.7 understand the importance of and be able to obtain valid consent, which is voluntary, informed has due regard to capacity, is propotionate to the circumstances and is appropriately documented

12.9 understand psychology as relevant to lifespan development and change, typical and impaired communication and psychological and social wellbeing

13.14 apply knowledge of communication impairment, linguistics, phonetics, psychology and biomedical sciences to the identification, assessment and differential diagnosis of a range of communication and swallowing impairments

Outline Of Syllabus

Introduction to clinical neuropsychology
Introduction to brain behaviour relationships
Attention and disorders of attention (including introduction to ADHD)
Types of memory and disorders of memory
Object recognition and visual agnosia
Auditory word recognition and word deafness
Cognition and language: modularity, representation and general processing accounts
Autism: history, prevalence, cognitive profile and relationship with language abilities
Neurodiversity: Reassessing autism and ADHD from a neurodiversity perspective
Working with young people with behavioural problems


In relation to the RCSLT curriculum guidance, the module focuses on psychological and social sciences (4.4.2) providing opportunities for students to develop a sound understanding of psychology including theoretical frameworks in psychology, psychological development and change, neuropsychology and applications of psychology as well as social and cultural factors

The module provides opportunities for students to develop key graduate capabilities around the use of the evidence base to support clinical reasoning and practice (4.2.4 A) by applying knowledge of a range of disciplines relevant to speech and language therapy practice.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1.       A working knowledge of aspects of cognition and neuropsychological impairments relevant to clinical practice
2.       An understanding of theoretical models relevant to neuropsychology
3. Identify functional models and cognitive architecture theories relevant to neuropsychology
4. Familiarity with the diagnostic signs, symptoms and assessment methods for neuropsychological impairments

Intended Skill Outcomes

Recognise presenting signs and symptoms of neuropsychological disorders
Identify appropriate clinical assessments to quantify and describe presenting behaviours
Differentially diagnose underlying causes of similar presenting behaviours

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture111:0011:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion143:0043:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading132:0032:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops111:0011:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops13:003:00Workshop on working with young people with behavioural problems
Total100:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
SPE2053Brain and Behaviour across the Lifespan II: Neuropsychology
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures to introduce and explain theories related to neuropsychology; explain different neuropsychological impairments, their assessments and diagnosis and what impact they might have on speech and language performance and therapy. Workshop to support students in applying knowledge acquired in lectures with the support of the specialist lecturer.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Digital Examination901A95Inspera Exam - Multiple choice questions
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise1A5Students must (a) create a multiple choice question in Peerwise, on any topic (b) leave a comment on another multiple choice question and (c) answer at least one multiple choice question.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

An exam format has been chosen because, due to external accreditation, it is necessary to ensure that the students have a sufficient breadth of knowledge. A multiple choice exam covering all topics is the best way to ensure this.

5% is allocated for participation in Peerwise (https://peerwise.cs.auckland.ac.nz). This is the best way to provide the students with exam practice.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.