PY0661 - Neuropsychology and Cognitive Science

On this module you will learn through a combination of interactive lectures and tutorials, along with independent study.

You will attend a series of lectures to develop an understanding of theory and empirical research into the study of neuropsychology and cognitive science. The lectures will be interactive in nature to facilitate the learning and evaluation of the material required for this level of study. Effective oral and visual communication skills will be developed through in-class practical activities and discussion.

Directed study will be encouraged through the provision of reading lists, which will serve as a basis for further, independent study. This will be further encouraged through the provision of study questions and topics. Technology enabled learning will be employed via blackboard discussions, twitter research discussions and podcasts.

Together, the learning strategies of lectures, practical activities during lecture time, directed and independent study and technology enabled learning will facilitate the development of conceptual knowledge of the key topics in the area. Additional tutorials and regular drop in sessions will provide an opportunity for you to discuss issues related to the module with a member of staff.

Module tutors will support you by making a variety of resources linked to the lectures series and assessments available on the eLearning Portal (e.g. PowerPoint slides, lectures handouts, revision tasks, reading lists, podcasts) along with links to websites and twitter links to encourage further exploration of neuropsychology and cognitive science research. A discussion board on the eLearning Portal will be available for students to pose and respond to questions among peers and to module tutors. This enhances collegiality and also means that support is available to all students. Technology enabled learning and novel strategies for learning will be encouraged through the use of twitter research discussion groups, and podcasts.

Tutorials can provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues related to the module with a member of staff.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
MK1: You should be able to show critical understanding and evaluation of a variety of methodologies and empirical research employed in neuropsychology
MK2: You should be able to show critical understanding and evaluation of a variety of methodologies and empirical research employed in cognitive science
MK3: Demonstrate an understanding of the application of neuropsychological and cognitive research into the study of cognitive, emotional and social cognitive and psychological processes.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MIP1: You will apply advanced problem solving skills, and evaluate alternative solutions in the context of neuropsychology and cognitive science, such evaluative skills are essential for employability

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MPV1: You will also develop the characteristics of a Northumbria psychology graduate by understanding markers of quality and impact of psychological research

Formative assessment:
Self-assessed formative assessment is provided through the use of critical reviewing activities. These will be available via eLP (MK1; MK2; MK3; MIP1; MPV1)

Summative assessment:
A breadth of knowledge and evaluation ability is essential at this level and the assessment will be to demonstrate your ability to synthesise and integrate knowledge from all components.

Neuropsychology and Cognitive Science – Critical literature review (3500 words; 100%) (MK1; MK3; MIP1; MPV1)

Feedback
Feedback will be provided on the electronic submission of the summative assessments in the form of a level-specific rubric. Additional written comments will be provided that identify areas for improvement

General feedback is provided via the eLearning Portal. Cohort mean, standard deviation and distributions of marks for the critical review and exam are provided so students can compare their performance with that of their cohort.

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The module is designed to introduce you to advanced topics which will enable you to evaluate and understand theory and empirical research into the study of neuropsychology and cognitive science. Alongside traditional lectures, practical activities during lecture time and tutorials, along with independent study will be the method of delivery. The neuropsychology and cognitive research methods lectures will set the scene for subsequent lectures, which will provide insights into key topics in the area, along with their conceptual and historical development. Topics will include neuroimaging methodology, face and object recognition deficits, attention disorder, emotional processing, developmental neuropsychology, language learning and comprehension, reasoning and problem solving, social cognition and musical cognition. Interactive lectures will be supported by a variety of e-learning resources and practical activities. You will be assessed by a critical literature review of neuropsychology and cognitive science topics.