Module PSYC3981: Development of Cognition

Department: Psychology

PSYC3981: Development of Cognition

Prerequisites

• 60 credits from Level 2 Psychology

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To learn about how cognition develops through the lifespan, with reference to both empirical evidence and developmental theories. Students taking this module will develop an understanding of neural and behavioural development.

Content

• This module will look at the development of cognition. Exact content may vary and example content could include:
• Fetal cognitive development
• Fetal vision
• The development of hearing and the effects of sound on speech
• Language learning and early word learning in infancy
• Early literacy and links to language
• Numeracy through childhood
• The development of cognition and perception and its basis in the brain
• Related conceptual and historical issues in developmental cognitive neuroscience.
• Perceptual (visual and multisensory) development
• Appropriate developmental techniques including neuroimaging and pre-natal research methods

Learning Outcomes

• Detailed knowledge of key theories and research in relation to the development of specific aspects 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.
• 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, within lecture interactive elements such as discussions, audio-visual materials, 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 examination.
• Lectures and online materials will also give students the opportunity to interpret and evaluate the significance of empirical work.
• The summative examination 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