2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PSYC3527 Techniques in Human Neuropsychology

15 creditsClass Size: 70

Module manager: Dr Melanie Burke
Email: m.r.burke@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

Successful completion of all pass for progression modules in Level 2 of: BSc Psychology or MPsyc, BSc Advanced Psychology or BA Philosophy, Psychology and Scientific Thought (and its International and Industrial variants)

Pre-requisites

PSYC2518

Cognitive Neuroscience

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The module includes a comprehensive and complete picture of brain imaging and stimulation techniques that are commonly used in both research and clinical environments. The module will provide both understanding of how the techniques measure / record brain activity, aswell as providing clear applications of these techniques to a variety of research and clinical problems.

Objectives

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of how cutting edge brain imaging and stimulation methods are used in psychological research and medical sciences. The module was developed based on recent publications in the area of structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI and fMRI), electroencephalogram (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG), positron emission topography (PET), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and direct current (DC) research techniques and their uses in modern neuropsychology. Students will be given a clear understanding of how these methods work and will also be provided with most recent examples of how these techniques have advanced understanding in psychology.

Learning outcomes
To evaluate the differences in functional and anatomical approaches to imaging the brain. (Exam)
- To be able to assess the nature of the signal recorded from the technique and how it is detected. (MCQs)
- To interpret and evaluate the spatial and temporal constraints of the different imaging techniques described. (Critical review and presentation, MCQs, Exam)
- To evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of different technologies described. (Critical review and presentation, MCQ’s, Exam)
- To be able to critically assess which of the research and clinical methods described in the course are suitable to address a given research/clinical problem. (Exam)

Nb: The information in brackets refers to how these outcomes will be assessed.

Skills outcomes
Students will have the opportunity to critically review, discuss and present very new research techniques and findings in the area of neuropsychology. They will become knowledgeable about the different strengths and weaknesses of various neuropsychological tools and should be able to recognise how these can be applied to research/clinical questions.

Syllabus

The syllabus includes: An introduction to the history of brain research methods, EEG and MEG techniques and applications, CAT scans and methods and their current use, MRI and fMRI as a tool to investigate brain anatomy and physiology, PET theory and practice and finally an introduction to brain stimulation techniques and its current use in rehabilitation.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
On-line Learning	4	1.00	4.00
Lecture	10	1.50	15.00
Seminar	1	4.00	4.00
Private study hours			127.00
Total Contact hours			23.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Preparation for each lecture 2 x 10 - 20 hrs
Preparation for each MCQ exam 4 x 2 - 8 hrs
Preparation for week 10 presentation - 15 hrs
Preparation for end of semester exam - 44 hrs
Further reading of relevant literature within the course - 40 hrs

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

The 4 MCQ tests at the end of each topic will provide feedback to the student (as well as the lecturer) as to whether their preparation and understanding of the topic areas has been sufficient.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course MCQ	1	0.00
In-course MCQ	2	0.00
In-course MCQ	3	0.00
In-course MCQ	4	0.00
Oral Presentation	Group project 15 mins	10.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		10.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	90.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		90.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 26/04/2017

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