MMB8004 : Ageing & Health
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr David Cousins
- Lecturer: Professor John Mathers, Dr Tuomo Polvikoski, Dr Ellen Tullo, Prof. Helen Rodgers, Dr Lisa Shaw, Professor Alan Thomas, Dr Antoneta Granic, Professor Raj Kalaria, Dr Terry Aspray, Dr Steve Parry, Professor Nicola Pavese, Dr Robert Barber, Professor Miles Witham, Professor Richard Walker
- Owning School: FMS Graduate School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
The module aims to introduce the student to the current issues and research in the field of ageing and health by presenting a 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. This module, OR MMB8011 are compulsory for students wishing to qualify with an MRes in Ageing and Health (4814F). The two modules place emphasis on interactions between the biological and clinical aspects of ageing at many levels. The potential economic and social benefits of advances in gerontology through engagement with business, health and social care services, and the community are also considered. This module may be taken by students wishing to specialise in Ageing and Health or as a stand-alone 20 credit module for the MRes and other programmes.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module includes lectures and seminars from leading experts on:
• Epidemiology of ageing and age-associated impairment
• Imaging techniques pertinent to ageing and dementia syndromes
• Neuroanatomy
• Mental health
o Dementia
o Depression
• Physical health
o Stroke
o Movement disorders
o Visual disorders
o Gastrointestinal disease
o Musculoskeletal conditions
o Nutrition
o Falls and syncope
• Nutrition and related factors in ageing
• Sarcopenia
• Multi-morbidity in clinical practice
• Interactions of chronic diseases, ageing and health
• Innovative solutions to impairment: rehabilitation and the use of assistive technologies
• Interactive sessions on critical appraisal, presentation skills and research opportunities.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Abstract writing assignment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Short un-timed open-book essay (2500 words) |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | Non-synchronous online: Pre-recorded on core topics. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Identification of paper, critical appraisal and preparation of oral presentation |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 3 | 4:00 | 12:00 | Non-synchronous online: journal club, quizzes, wider reading, papers into posters - mock conference |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Present in person: seminars - critical appraisal, abstract writing, essay writing, oral presentation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Synchronous online: main learning points, question and answer, discussion |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 32:00 | 32:00 | Preparing notes on lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 8:00 | 8:00 | Reflection and journal keeping |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Synchronous online: Introduction and conclusion sessions (also recorded). |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Recorded lecture material will provide students with current specialist knowledge from clinical experts in the field of ageing and health. These will be supported by online sessions with the lecturers to stimulate questions and discussions. Small group PIP seminars will complement the lecture materials and build on core research skills such as critical appraisal, abstract writing, essay writing and oral presentations. Embracing Flexible teaching, new approaches such as group online tasks (establishing student journal clubs, shared work on abstract preparation, making and discussing posters) have been included.
In addition to specialist knowledge, the key skills of critical appraisal, data interpretation and presentation will be practised with direct support in advance of assessments. Tutorials and online support will encourage the students to reflect on their learning and well as encouraging collaboration and teamwork. All of these activities relate directly to the learning outcomes above.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Examination | 1 | M | 20 | Oral presentation: 10 minutes with 5 minutes for questions |
| Essay | 1 | M | 40 | Un-timed open book essay (2500 words) |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 40 | Preparation of an abstract for a paper (250 words) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The untimed essay tests the student’s knowledge, comprehension and ability to discuss a subject critically and concisely. The oral presentation of a paper tests the student’s critical appraisal skills, their ability to communicate data to an audience and answer questions. The abstract writing assignment tests critical appraisal skills, requiring focused identification of salient findings and the ability to succinctly express these.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MMB8004's Timetable