PY3HAC-Health and Cognition

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Dan Jones

Email: d.jones6@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
£p£In this module students will be introduced to the topic area of physical health and cognition, specifically exploring the cognitive deficits associated with a range of physical illnesses, such as cancers, kidney disease and diabetes. Areas such as memory, attention and executive functioning will be examined to highlight the implications of such deficits, potential causes, the effect of treatment on cognition, and the impact that impaired cognition can have on patient quality of life. Students will gain a better understanding of the current research area and will be provided with a platform to discuss, debate and critique the evidence in a relatively new field of cross-disciplinary work.£/p£

Aims:

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module the student will be able to:

1.    Describe and explain the cognitive profile of several clinical groups suffering from physical illness

2.    Describe and evaluate some of the theories of impaired cognition in physiological groups

3.    Describe the effect of physiological treatment on cognition

4.    Critically evaluate key studies in the field of cognition an d cancer, kidney disease and diabetes.

 

Additional outcomes:

Students will gain experience from participating in evaluative discussions of research and theory in large and small groups.

Outline content:

The module comprises 7 x 2-hour seminars

In this module we will look at the cognitive profile of patients with physiological illness and how such cognitive impairments may impact upon a patient’s quality of life. Topics to cover might include: cognition & physiology, cognitive deficits associated with cancer and its treatment, kidney disease & cognition, the effects of obesity on cognition and patient wellbeing. Students will have an introduction into some of the cross-disciplinary techniques used to investigate cognitive impairments in physical illness. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Sessions will involve a variety of teaching & learning methods: lectures, individual and small group work, discussions, debates, student presentations and problem-based learning. During the course of the module, students will gain experience of presenting evidence-based arguments. In addition, ‘core’ reading will be set throughout to prepare students for the content of the sessions.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	14
Guided independent study:	86
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	75
Written assignment including essay	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

1.5 hours

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is assessed through coursework (25%) and a final exam (75%). 

The 1.5-hour Summer Exam will require students to answer 1 essay question on topics covered in the module.

Coursework will comprise of an essay.

 

Formative assessment methods:

Students have the opportunity to provide the module convenor with an essay plan for comment and feedback in preparation for the exam

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of at least 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-sit examination in August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020