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PS30113: Autism spectrum disorders

[Page last updated: 02 August 2022]

Academic Year: 2022/23
Owning Department/School: Department of Psychology
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: PF 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Portfolio (PF 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you must take PS20167 AND take PS20107
Learning Outcomes: To critically evaluate the relationship between brain and behaviour, specifically with reference to autism spectrum disorders;
To compare and contrast the genetic, hormonal, cognitive and social aspects of autism spectrum disorders
To Critically evaluate the clinical implications of a diagnosis of autism.

Aims: To introduce some recent research in the field of autism spectrum disorders.
An integrated approach will be undertaken to examine neuropsychological, cognitive and clinical aspects of autism spectrum disorders.

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 autistic spectrum disorders (ASD).
* Comorbidity with other disorders e.g. with ADHD, OCD, Tourette's syndrome.
* The relationship between 'disordered' and 'normal'.

Programme availability:

PS30113 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Psychology

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2022/23 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2023/24 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2022/23.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.