2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
PSYC5919M The Psychology of Ageing and Dementia
15 creditsClass Size: 50
Module manager: Dr Melanie Burke
Email: m.r.burke@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisite qualifications
At least an upper second-class honours degree in Psychology or a discipline containing a substantial amount of psychology and researchModule replaces
PSYC5910M Psychology of Ageing and DementiaThis module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
This module will explore neuropsychological themes relating to normal and pathological ageing. It will cover biological theories of ageing, and cognitive ageing and dementia. The transition from normal ageing to dementia is considered, alongside diagnosis and treatments, evaluating three influences relevant to successful cognitive ageing: genetics, lifestyle and mental health. Also addressed will be issues relevant to lived experiences of dementia patients and carers, alongside developments to create a “dementia friendly” approach to behaviour and our healthcare system.Objectives
1. To provide students with advanced, specialised knowledge in relation to the psychology of ageing and dementia.2. To facilitate students’ understanding, and critical evaluation of, biological, conceptual and theoretical issues in ageing and dementia.
3. To develop students’ comprehension of, and ability to critically review empirical evidence in the area.
4. To promote a deep level of understanding of how these issues feed into practise.
Learning outcomes
mOn successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
1. Advanced knowledge and understanding of the biological and physiological changes that happen during ageing.
2. An advanced and critical 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.
3. Students will be able to demonstrate critical understanding of the various methodologies used in the cognitive ageing and dementia literature and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
4. Show critically awareness of the role of cognitive neuropsychology in the assessment of older adults exhibiting cognitive deficits.
5. Students will be able to demonstrate a critical and 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 Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to select, evaluate and apply published research relating to cognitive ageing and dementia.
2. Students will be able to apply theory to practical real-world issues.
3. Students will demonstrate their skills in the critical appraisal of published reports.
4. Students will have good written communication skills.
5. Students will be able to reflect on their experiences with the Dementia community providing practice in engaging with the community and those living with dementia and consider how psychology can have an impact.
Syllabus
Introduction to ageing and dementia
Biological ageing
Cognitive ageing
Neural and psychosocial aging
Mild Cognitive Impairment: Diagnosis and research
Mild Cognitive Impairment: Treatment
Dementia: Diagnosis and research
Dementia: Treatment
Living with dementia
Dementia friendly
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Fieldwork | 1 | 1.50 | 1.50 |
| Lecture | 11 | 2.00 | 22.00 |
| Seminar | 1 | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Private study hours | 123.50 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 26.50 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Reflective log: The students will have the opportunity to write a reflective log about the visits in weeks 8 and 9 to consider what they have learned from the “lived experience” of those with Dementia alongside community and supporter support. I will provide brief feedback to submissions, and they will additionally provide support for the coursework essay depending on choice of question.Practice Short-Answer Questions (SAQs): These will be set in week 4 and 8 for students to monitor their progress and knowledge acquisition throughout the modules (5-10 SAQ’s will be set in each of the 2 tests). These are formative feedback only and provides practise for the 1 hour exam at the end of the module (30% of module mark).
Feedback from both the reflective log and the SAQs prepare students for both forms of summative assessment, helping to develop knowledge, understanding, application of theory and writing skills.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Assignment | Essay (1,500 words) | 70.00 |
| Online Assessment | SAQ | 30.00 |
| Assignment | Reflective log (Formative) | 0.00 |
| Assignment | Practice SAQ (Formative) | 0.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
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 websiteLast updated: 29/04/2024 16:19:53
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