MMB8004 : Ageing & Health
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr David Cousins
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Tiago da Silva Costa
- Lecturer: Professor Miles Witham, Dr Robert Barber, Professor Nicola Pavese, Dr Ellen Tullo, Dr Tuomo Polvikoski, Prof. John Mathers, Dr Stella Paddick, Professor Richard Walker, Dr Lisa Shaw, Professor Raj Kalaria, Dr James Frith, Dr Antoneta Granic
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
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 including mental health in the elderly
• Interactions of chronic diseases, ageing and health, including from an international perspective
• Interactive sessions on critical appraisal, presentation skills and research opportunities.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Summative assessment: preparation for Summative essay |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | Present in person (PIP) teaching of core module topics |
| 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 |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 6 | 4:00 | 24:00 | Non-synchronous online Canvas collaboration tasks: professional activities (preparation of biosketch and CV resume); preparation for seminars (critical appraisal frameworks, paper reading and abstract deconstruction) |
| 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 |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Present in person (PIP) seminars - critical appraisal, abstract writing, essay writing, oral presentation practice |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Present in person (PIP) Introduction outline of module aims and assessments, overview of Canvas and confirmation of functionality of remote teaching platform (session recorded) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Preparing notes on lectures, including reviewing recorded material |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 8:00 | 8:00 | Reflection and journal keeping |
| 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 lecture material and lecture transcripts. Seminars will complement knowledge by building 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.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 1440 | 1 | A | 60 | 24 hour Examination- Essay Style - 1 question from 3 (2000 words limit with maximum 20 references). Duration: 60 minutes |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 1 | M | 40 | Present in person Oral Presentation - 10 minutes with 5 minutes for questions |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | Preparation of an abstract for a paper (250 words) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The 24-hour times essay (summative) 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.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MMB8004's Timetable