Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook
This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module PSYC3011: NEUROPSYCHOLOGY

Department: Psychology

PSYC3011: NEUROPSYCHOLOGY

TypeLevelCreditsAvailabilityModule CapLocation
Open 3 20 Available in 2006/2007 None. Durham

Pre-requisites

  • Memory and Language (PSYC2081) OR Brain Processes of Cognition and Perception (PYSC2111) OR Modules to the value of 100 credits from Level 2 Applied Psychology (C810)

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations

  • Neuropsychological Rehabilitation (PSYS3131)

Aims

  • This module will give students an understanding of cognitive neuropsychological modules of high level behaviour such as remembering, recognising, planning and speaking and the role of the brain in such behaviour.

Content

  • The topics will normally include: Techniques, methods and approaches in Neuropsychology.
  • Memory and amnesia: neuropsychological and anatomical aspects of memory.
  • Visual neuropsychological: visual disorders following brain damage including visual agnosia, prosopagnosia and neglect.
  • The neuropsychology of high level deficits: prefrontal cortex and deficits in problem solving, planning and working memory.
  • Language Disorders: aphasia and dyslexia.
  • Individual and hemispheric differences in brain organisation.
  • Recovery of function: mechanisms of recovery of functions, age effects, behavioural strategies.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge
  • Detailed knowledge of some current theories in cognitive neuropsychology and evidence relating to these theories
Subject-specific Skills
  • Ability to review critically and consolidate understanding of a coherent body of psychological knowledge and apply it appropriately
Key Skills
  • Good written communication skills
  • Good IT skills in word processing, data manipulation and data presentation
  • Abilities to work independently in scholarship and research within broad guidelines

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module will be assessed by essays, both a summatively assessed course work essay and a two-hour examination.
  • Essays are the most appropriate form to evaluate the learning outcomes listed above.
  • The give the opportunity for students to give evidence of their knowledge, while evaluating argument and evidence, comparing theoretical positions and interpreting empirical work in the light of theory.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotal HoursAttendance Monitored
Total 200
Lectures 18 Usually Weekly 2 Hours 36
Seminars 3 Approx. 1 per term 2 Hours 6
Preparation and Reading 158

Summative Assessment

ComponentComponent WeightingElementLength/DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Summative Essay 30% 2000 word essay 100%
Examination 70% two-hour examination 100%

Formative Assessment

None.

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.