Department of Psychology, Unit Catalogue 2010/11 |
PS30113: Developmental disorders |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Honours |
| Period: | This unit is available in... |
| Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| ES 80%, OR 20% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take PS20106 and take PS20107 and take PS20108 |
| Description:
| Aims: To introduce some recent research in the field of developmental disorders, such as dyslexia and autism. An integrated approach will be undertaken to examine neuropsychological, cognitive and clinical aspects of childhood psychological disorders. Learning Outcomes: To critically evaluate the relationship between brain and behaviour, specifically with reference to developmental disorders; To compare and contrast the genetic, hormonal, cognitive and social aspects of disorders such as dyslexia and autism To critically evaluate the clinical implications of a diagnosis. Skills: The student can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the topics focused on in this unit, in particular of the attitude construct, attitude change, decision making, attitude-behaviour relationships and the influence of social processes and context. (T/F A) The student has detailed knowledge of some specialised areas and/or applications, some of which are at the cutting edge of research in the discipline. (T/F A) The student is able to select relevant paradigms and research methods for answering particular research questions. (T/F A) The student is able to read and understand empirical journal articles and relate these to existing bodies of knowledge. (T/F A) The student is able to apply theoretical notions to practical problems and phenomena. (T/F A) The student can reason scientifically and take a critical view on arguments and research outcomes. (T/F A) The student is computer literate and is able to retrieve scientific articles from the available databases. (T/F A) The student can solve problems by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions and evaluating outcomes. (T/F A) The student is able to plan and organise the study activities that are required in this unit, take charge of his or her own learning, and can reflect and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses for the purpose of future learning. (T/F A) Content: The content of the unit will be as follows * Neuropsychology of the developing brain; * Lateralisation and localisation of cognitive functions and disorders. * Hormonal influences upon development. * Theoretical accounts of developmental dyslexia, * Theoretical accounts of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). * Comorbidity with other disorders e.g. with ADHD, OCD, Tourette's syndrome. * The relationship between 'disordered' and 'normal'. |