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2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PSYC5910M The Psychology of Ageing and Dementia

20 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Prof David Bunce
Email: d.bunce@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

Pre-requisite qualifications

At least an upper second class honours degree in Psychology or a discipline containing a substantial amount of psychology and research methods training

Co-requisites

PSYC5905MCurrent Themes in Neuropsychology and Neuroscience
PSYC5911MTypical and Disordered Development

This module is mutually exclusive with

PSYC5906MHealth Behaviour Change: Theories, Methods and Interventions
PSYC5907MTheory and Intervention in Food and Nutrition
PSYC5912MPsychology of Patient Safety

Module replaces

PSYC3530

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

Students will specialise in conceptual and theoretical issues relating to the cognitive psychology of ageing and dementia.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students are expected to:

-Have an understanding of current theoretical concepts in the cognitive psychology of ageing and dementia literature and be able to apply these concepts when considering the assessment of older adults exhibiting cognitive impairment
-Demonstrate good understanding of the various methodologies used in the cognitive ageing and dementia literature and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses
-Critically consider the role of cognitive neuropsychology in the assessment of older adults exhibiting cognitive deficits
-Demonstrate an in depth knowledge and understanding of how experimental psychology can inform the processes and practices used by the medical professions to identify and assess older adults exhibiting cognitive deficits

Skills outcomes
-Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in the selection, evaluation and application of published research relating to cognitive ageing and dementia
-Students will gain practice in the application of theory to practical real world issues and the critical appraisal of published reports
-Students will have the opportunity to develop communication skills by way of engaging in group work and written and oral argumentation


Syllabus

The lecture series will explore neuropsychological themes relating to both normal and pathological ageing. It will start by considering pressing issues in the study of cognitive ageing and dementia before moving on to cover theoretical perspectives relevant to both normal ageing and neuropathological ageing. The transition from normal ageing to dementia is then considered before evaluating three influences relevant to successful cognitive ageing; genetics, lifestyle and mental health. To wind up the lecture series, two sessions will consider issues relevant to the early detection of cognitive impairment and dementia before the final lecture considers the relevance of course material to everyday behaviours and healthcare.

Importantly, the lecture series will integrate both cognitive and neurobiological perspectives on ageing and dementia, and highlight the applied relevance of course material to, for example, everyday behaviours and healthcare processes and practice.

Lecture List:

1.Pressing issues in the neuropsychology of ageing and dementia
2. Cognitive ageing: Concepts, theory and methods I
3. Cognitive ageing: Concepts, theory and methods II
4. Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia I
5. Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia II
6. Key themes in cognitive ageing and dementia I: Genetics
7. Key themes in cognitive ageing and dementia II: Lifestyle
8. Key themes in cognitive ageing and dementia III: Mental Health
9. Early detection of cognitive impairment and dementia I: Key issues
10. Early detection of cognitive impairment and dementia II: Neuropsychological assessment
11. Cognitive perspectives on everyday behaviour and ageing

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture112.0022.00
Seminar31.504.50
Private study hours173.50
Total Contact hours26.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

Students will have 173.5 private study hours. It is envisaged tht this time will be approximately spent as follows:

Reading for each lecture: 11 x 6 hours - 66 hrs
Peer group work - 10.5 hrs
Revision and practice exam questions - 42 hrs
Independent literature searches and reading - 55 hrs

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

To monitor progress, in week 2, students will be asked to research a particular theme related to cognitive ageing and dementia. The students will need to write an essay (individually) on a topic related to this theme. The students will also need to work with their peers (in groups of no more than four in order to give a short powerpoint presentation. The class will be split into four with the presentations being given to the other groups within the class (who will provide anonymous formative feedback to the presenters regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the presentation by means of a standardised form). Thus, the exercise is based around peer group teaching, where students in groups will present an evaluation of a theme by identifying, summarising and applying relevant evidence from the psychological literature. Materials from these presentations will form a peer learning resource that can feed into exam revision.


Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay1500 words50.00
Oral Presentation5 minutes5.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)55.00

The verbal presentation will take the form of a peer group teaching exercise with coordination and leadership provided by the module leader. Students who fail to satisfactorily complete the peer group teaching exercise will have their module mark reduced by 5 marks. In week 2, students will be asked to research a particular age-related theme. The students will need to write an essay (individually) on a topic related to this theme.


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)2 hr 00 mins45.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)45.00

The module will be assessed by an end of semester unseen 2 hour examination (45%). Students will answer two long essay questions from a choice of four options.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 18/04/2016

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