PY0661 - Neuropsychology and Cognitive Science

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

You will attend a series of lectures to develop an understanding of theory and empirical research in 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. Written communication skills will be developed via the summative written assessment.

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.

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 workshops will provide an opportunity for you to discuss some contemporary issues related to the module topics and engage in interactive learning with other students in groups.

Module tutors will support you by making a variety of resources linked to the lecture series and assessments available on the eLearning Portal (e.g. PowerPoint slides, lecture handouts, revision tasks, reading lists, podcasts) along with links to websites 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 eLearning Portal discussion groups and podcasts.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

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 (100%) (MK1; MK2; 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 are provided so students can compare their performance with that of their cohort.

None

None

Does the human brain work like a computer? Is there something unique about human language? These are the types of question that will be addressed. The module is designed to introduce you to advanced topics in neuropsychology and cognitive science ,which will enable you to evaluate and understand theory and empirical research in this area. Traditional lectures, practical activities during lecture time, workshops, and independent study will be the methods of delivery. The neuropsychology and cognitive research methods lecture 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 be sampled from the fields of neuropsychology and cognitive science, for example, neuroimaging methodology, face and object recognition, the evolution of language, emotional processing, developmental neuropsychology, language learning and comprehension, reasoning and problem solving, artificial intelligence, social cognition, musical cognition, and consciousness. Interactive lectures will be supported by a variety of e-learning resources and activities. You will be assessed by a critical literature review of neuropsychology and cognitive science topics which will require some independent study.