MMB8004 : Ageing & Health
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr David Cousins
- Lecturer: Professor John Mathers, Professor Raj Kalaria, Dr Ellen Tullo, Professor Richard Walker, Dr Lisa Shaw, Dr Robert Barber, Dr Stella Paddick, Dr Antoneta Granic, Dr Terry Aspray, Dr Tuomo Polvikoski, Professor Nicola Pavese, Professor Miles Witham, Dr Steve Parry
- 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 and cerebrovascular anatomy
• Mental Health
• Dementia
• Depression
• Physical health
• Stroke
• Movement disorders
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Nutrition
• Falls and syncope
• Nutrition and related factors in ageing
• Sarcopenia
• Frailty
• Multimorbidity in clinical practice
• Interactions of chronic diseases, ageing and health, including from an international perspective
• Innovative solutions to impairment including 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 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Summative assessment: preparation for Essay /Exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 36:00 | 36:00 | Summative assessment: Identification of paper, critical appraisal & preparation of oral presentation |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Formative assessment: Prep of 250 word abstract for paper from which original abstract redacted |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | Present in person (PIP) teaching of core module topics |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 6 | 4:00 | 24:00 | Non-sync online: Canvas collaboration tasks: professional activities and preparation for seminars |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Sync Online intro to course/aims & assess/overview of Canvas/function of remote learning - recorded |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Sync Online seminars critical appraisal, abstract writing, essay writing, oral presentation practice |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 4:00 | 4:00 | Present in person (PIP): Oral presentation - 4 sessions to run in parallel |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 8:00 | 8:00 | Reflection and journal keeping |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Preparing notes on lectures, including reviewing recorded material |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Present in person lectures will provide students with current specialist knowledge from clinical experts in the field of ageing and health, with materials made available in advance and opportunity to ask questions during the lecture session. Lectures will be supported by access to pre-recorded to lecture material and lecture transcripts. Small group online synchronous seminars will complement build on core research skills such as critical appraisal, abstract writing, essay writing and oral presentations Aligned with Flexible teaching, 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.
Should public health circumstances dictate that it is necessary, in person sessions will be moved to online alternatives
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
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 60 | Present in person Examination - Essay style - 1 question from 3 |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Examination | 1 | M | 40 | Present in person Oral Presentation - 10 minutes with 5 minutes for questions |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | Preparation of an abstract for a paper (250 words) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The examination tests the student’s knowledge, comprehension and ability to discuss a subject critically and concisely; essay questions are set on topics covered by lecture materials with wider reading encouraged during preparations.
The summative oral presentation of a paper tests the student’s critical appraisal skills, their ability to communicate data to an audience and answer questions.
The formative abstract writing assignment tests critical appraisal skills, requiring focused identification of salient findings and the ability to succinctly express these.
Should public health circumstances dictate that it is necessary, the exam will be moved to an online alternative assessment (24 hour open book essay with a word count of 2500 and up to 25 references). The formative presentation will be moved to an individual synchronous online presentation with two assessors.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MMB8004's Timetable