TREATMENT PROTOCOLS FOR NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS - 2020/1

Module code: PSY3118

Module Overview

Please note: This module is part of the Neuroscience stream of Level 6 optional modules and may not be running every year. In some years an alternative optional module within the Neuroscience stream may be offered instead.

This module will offer an advanced overview of neuroimaging and neurostimulation techniques used in cognitive neuroscience and the clinical conditions they are used to treat. Specifically, the module will discuss the treatment of depression, chronic pain and visual disorders such as cortical blindness and neglect. In addition, it will offer hands-on training in the use of transcranial brain stimulation during classroom tutorials.

Module provider

Psychology

Module Leader

SILVANTO Juha (Psychology)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 128

Seminar Hours: 20

Practical/Performance Hours: 2

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

BSc Psychology Levels 4 and 5 or equivalent

Module content

Indicative content includes:
• Neuropsychological disorders such as depression, chronic pain, blindsight and neglect
• Theoretical background of neuroimaging and stimulation techniques
• Treatment of clinical disorders with state-of-the-art brain stimulation techniques
• Hands-on training on brain stimulation techniques

Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Practical based assessment Poster presentation 50
Examination Exam (1 hour) 50

Alternative Assessment

Students who take temporary suspension partway through this module may not be able to complete the remaining classes for this module on their return if it is not running in the following academic year. Such students will have the choice to take a replacement module, or, if they have already completed an assessment for the original module, to attend classes from a new optional module within the same stream (area of psychology) and complete an alternative assessment based on this content that meets the learning outcomes of the original module. The specific alternative assessment will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding and knowledge of the application of neuroscience techniques for the treatment of neurological conditions, including best practices for designing neuroscience treatment protocols use with humans.

It is also designed to develop students' ability to work collegiately as part of a team, to present work individually, demonstrate effective communication skills, and design an appropriate poster to communicate ideas effectively.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
• Exam – a one-hour unseen exam will assess your knowledge and critical engagement with the module content (learning outcomes 1, 2).

• Poster - students will work in groups to develop a rehabilitation protocol using brain stimulation techniques, and then each student will design and present an individual poster to communicate this protocol (learning outcomes 3,4,5).

Formative assessment and feedback:
Students will be offered extensive formative feedback during each lecture on the use of neuroscience techniques and class discussions.

Module aims

  • To provide students with an understanding of state-of-the-art neuroscience techniques used to treat clinical conditions affecting the brain
  • To provide hands-on training in the use of tools frequently used in clinical and cognitive neuroscience
  • To provide an understanding of how effective neuroscience experiments and treatment protocols are designed

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 Explain and critically evaluate the use of brain imaginging/stimulation techniques in their treatment for a range neurological conditions CK
002 Discuss theoretical, practical and ethical considerations in designing brain stimulation treatment protocols in human patients CKP
003 Work as part of a team to research treatment options for neurological conditions CKPT
004 Design a poster to explain protocols for treatment of a neurological disorder using state-of-the-art brain stimulation protocol PT
005 Operate transcranial brain stimulation equipment PT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to;

Introduce to students to various neurological disorders

Develop a high-level of understanding of appropriate neuroscience techniques for the treatment of neurological conditions

Develop practical skills on designing treatment protocols based on brain stimulation techniques

Offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a variety of state-of-the-art neuroscience equipment.

The learning and teaching methods include:

Lectures will be combined with group discussions and independent group work involving development of treatment protocols.

22 contact hours and 128 hours of independent study (reading and developing assignments).

The contact hours will be comprised of 11 two-hour sessions. The majority of the sessions (9 sessions) will include a one-hour lecture-style presentation followed by practical activities and class discussion.

Two sessions will be dedicated to (1) poster preparation and (2) oral poster presentations.

The course will have a dedicated SurreyLearn site, where the reading list, material from the lectures, relevant links and workshop materials will be available.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PSY3118

Other information

N/A

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Psychology BSc (Hons) 1 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.