BSc (Hons) Psychology (Clinical Psychology) (Kaplan, Singapore)

The module is designed to introduce you to theory and empirical research into the study of neuropsychology and advanced cognitive science.

You will learn how traditional behavioural methods and neuroscience methodologies can be used in tandem to explore key issues and concepts . You will learn to consider and evaluate theory and develop an understanding of the strength and weaknesses of a variety of methodologies. Importantly, you will explore and develop knowledge related to the application of neuropsychological and cognitive research to a range of psychological processes.

For the neuropsychology component the module will sample from the following topics: neuroimaging, face and object recognition, emotion processing, hemispheric lateralisation, attention deficits, language disorders and developmental neuropsychology. For the cognitive component the module will sample from the following topics: methods of studying cognition, language learning andcomprehension, social cognition, concepts and categorisation, reasoning, decision making, cognitive modelling and musical cognition.

On this module you will develop a critical understanding of the theoretical underpinning, research base and effectiveness of a range of mental health and psychological difficulties along with associated treatment and therapeutic approaches. In addition you will learn about, discuss and evaluate the diagnostic factors, aetiology, prognosis and factors influencing the outcome of several mental health difficulties, including anxiety, personality, mood and thought disorders. You will explore the conceptual and historical issues surrounding the topic of mental health and how the field has changed over time, and learn how to discuss and evaluate studies that have had a particular impact on the direction of theory, research and therapeutic applications.

On this module you will individually conceptualise, plan and execute an original piece of research. You will, through reading, understanding and critically appraising relevant psychological literature, formulate and operationalise a research question, and select and implement research methodologies and statistical techniques appropriate for answering your research question. You will also have the opportunity to disseminate your research findings via presentation at an undergraduate conference. You will, as part of applying for ethical approval for your proposed research, consider relevant ethical issues associated with your research, and you will highlight ways of addressing these issues. The module will allow you to develop a range of generic skills such as effective use of computers (i.e., for data entry, analysis and word processing), effective oral and written communication skills, evidence-based reasoning and problem solving, self-management and timekeeping, as well as liaising and engaging in dialogue with other people related to your research (e.g., your supervisor and, where necessary, outside organisations).

On this module, you will examine the association of mental health problems with criminal behaviour. As part of this module, you will be introduced to a diverse range to topics within the field of mental health and crime. You will explore research assessing the association of mental health problems with criminal behaviour. You will also discuss the efficacy of interventions that aim to prevent people with mental health problems from engaging in crime. As part of this module, you will be introduced to key debates within this field. Moreover, this will be discussed from a clinical and forensic perspective. Therefore, this module will incorporate elements of both clinical and forensic psychology.

On this module you will be introduced to applying knowledge about the brain and cognition to mental health. You will understand how normal cognitive processes can be used to understand mental health and dementias. It will provide you with an insight into the application of skills clinical psychologists use during case conceptualisation and devising interventions, including deepening your understanding of symptoms, the potential mechanisms which underpin them and how compromised cognitive capacities constrain day-to-day life. Through lecture material and workshops, you will be exposed to examples of research methods used to investigate the relationship between cognition and mental health including functional and structural imaging, cognitive task design and real-world data capture. You will be able to highlight gaps and critically reflect on the strengths and weakness of current approaches.
You will examine elements of cognition within the context of mental health and substance use disorders as well as some dementias to appreciate what happens as cognition “breaks-down”. Examples will be included from mental health disorders, dementias and substance use disorders including alcohol use, misuse and abuse. You will be able to define cognitive processes evident in mental health, and how they relate to the brain. You will recognize the inherent strengths in an interdisciplinary approach to apply cognitive knowledge to increase your understanding of mental health. Appreciating mental health across different levels of biological/cognitive representation will deepen your knowledge of symptoms and how they might impinge upon day-to-day life. Through active learning, you will develop and apply your research skills within clinical psychology discipline and gain skills in communication for a variety of audiences.