Module PSYC3677: Neurodevelopmental Diversity

Department: Psychology

PSYC3677: Neurodevelopmental Diversity

Prerequisites

• • 60 credits from Level 2 Psychology

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• • In this module you will learn about neurodiversity and developmental pathways that are different to what is considered ‘neurotypical’. You will learn about strengths and challenges in various neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism and Williams syndrome. You will also learn about important changes to the field relating to neurodiversity (e.g. participatory research). You will learn about mechanisms, theories and applications.

Content

• This module examines neurodiversity with a special focus on strengths and challenges in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and Williams syndrome
• It begins with an introduction to neurodiversity before critically evaluating evidence on strengths and challenges in different neurodevelopmental conditions (including on relevant mechanisms and theories), and will move to a consideration of application and impact.
• The module will also cover related conceptual and historical issues in psychology

Learning Outcomes

• Detailed knowledge of neurodevelopmental conditions and neurodiversity including current theory and evidence

• 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
• Ability 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, some small group work, audio-visual materials, discussions and 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 examination 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 examination will assess 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. It will also assess students' written communication skills
• The module will be taught using lectures supplemented with online material.

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