PC6069 - Clinical Neuroscience (2024/25)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Clinical Neuroscience | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||
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| Running in 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The aim of this module is to develop and integrate your knowledge of biological psychology with reference to clinical disorders. You will examine the neuropharmacological, neurophysiological and neuropsychological aspects of disorders such as addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, and schizophrenia. After successful completion of the module, you will be able to confidently discuss and evaluate neuroscientific theories of psychiatric, behavioural, and neurological disorders; have a comprehensive and thorough understanding of research ethics in the field; critically discuss evidence-based approaches to understanding the aetiology and treatment of clinical disorders; and provide an explanation of behaviour in which data from humans and animals can be integrated. You will be encouraged to engage with independent learning using appropriate primary and secondary sources and to develop competence in discussion with clarity of presentation, scientific rigour, and evidence-based conclusions. The knowledge and skills developed in the module will support the development of important graduate attributes and progression to postgraduate training and employment.
Syllabus
Topics covered will be drawn from: Psychopharmacology of stimulant and addiction; psychopharmacology of CNS depressants and addiction; theories of addiction and stress; neurodevelopment, teratology and neglect; neurodevelopmental disorders; biological underpinning of schizophrenia; biological underpinning of depression; biological and evolutionary basis of anxiety and anxiety disorders; neurodegeneration; the neuroscience of consciousness, agency and free will.
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The learning objectives will be achieved through a combination of lectures, interactive workshops, seminars, supplementary guided web-based learning, and self-managed independent study. Formative assessments and seminar exercises will provide opportunities to receive constructive tutor and peer feedback. You will be encouraged to reflect on your learning throughout the module and to take responsibility for identifying your development needs.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Understand and evaluate methods and reasoning within biological explanations of behaviour and psychopathology.
2. Conduct literature reviews and critically evaluate the empirical evidence for the neuroscientific basis of a variety of psychiatric, behavioural and neurological disorders.
3. Explain in a concise format the neuroscience of psychiatric, behavioural and neurological disorders