Module PSYC3247: COGNITIVE NEUROPSYCHOLOGY

Department: Psychology

PSYC3247: COGNITIVE NEUROPSYCHOLOGY

Prerequisites

• 60 credits from Level 2 Psychology module

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• This module will provide coverage of state-of-the-art research and current issues in the functional cerebral organisation of cognitive processes

Content

• This module gives a broad overview about how different cognitive domains are functionally organised in the brain
• It begins with an introduction to localising brain functions before critically addressing a number of topic areas
• These can vary from year to year but are likely to include the functional organisation of language, spatial cognition, attention, and fine motor coordination
• The module will also cover related conceptual and historical issues in psychology, such as laterality and handedness

Learning Outcomes

• Detailed knowledge and understanding of current theory and evidence relating to the cerebral specialisation of cognition

• Ability to review critically and consolidate understanding of a coherent body of psychological knowledge and apply it appropriately

• 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

• Students' acquisition of detailed knowledge will be facilitated by lectures, audio-visual materials, discussions and detailed reading lists
• These modes of teaching provide students with detailed knowledge of the key theories and the skills needed to evaluate different theoretical positions in light of current evidence
• The summative essay will assess students' detailed subject knowledge
• An assessment of the range, recency and appropriateness of sources will be included in the overall assessment of the essay
• The use of group discussions / small group work will ensure that students are exposed to a range of different theoretical positions, and encouraged to understand their inter-relations
• Lectures, discussions and small group work will also give students the opportunity to interpret and evaluate the significance of empirical work
• The summative essay assesses students' acquired knowledge of theoretical principles and empirical studies and their ability to organise and synthesise them coherently and critically in written form in response to a set question
• The summative essay will also assess students' written communication skills

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University