| CODE | PSY5651 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Development of Neural Systems | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Psychology | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit provides participants with an account of the normal and potentially abnormal development of neural systems subserving sensory, motor and cognitive functions. The normal neuroanatomical development of each system and the integration between systems is examined in detail. It addresses the competing processes involved in restoration after early injury or abnormal compensation.Plasticity and reorganisation of function, crowding effects, sleeper effects and altered trajectories of learning will be also discussed. Study-Unit Aims: This study-unit will help participants in developing a solid understanding of developmental neuropsychology with an emphasis on neuroanatomical development of the sensory, motor and cognitive systems and the integration between them. Participants will be introduced both to normal and abnormal of development in each system as well as their interrelationships. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Construct a foundational framework for the understanding of the various aspects of neurodevelopment; - Recognise the major developments in research on the development and functioning of the sensory, motor, and cognitive systems; - Critically examine the research literature on sensory, motor and cognitive development; - Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the characteristic features, causes, and progression of developmental and acquired brain disorders; - Critically evaluate the interconnection between the sensory, motor and cognitive systems. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Critically evaluate research reports and papers on neurodevelopmental issues; - Demonstrate recognition of the possible causes and prognosis of different sensory, motor, and cognitive development impairments; - Integrate knowledge about possible impairments across the sensory, motor, and cognitive systems; - Critically consider the different possible impacts on sensory, motor and cognitive functioning of developmental impairments in any of the separate or joint systems; - Demonstrate the use of a non-stigmatizing language as well as a de-pathologizing attitude in describing neuropsychological conditions. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Price, D.J., Jarman, A.P., Mason, J.O. & Kind, P.C (2011) Building Brains: An Introduction to Neural Development. John Wiley & Sons. Supplementary Readings: - Donders, J., & Hunter, S.J. (2010) Principles and Practice of Lifespan Developmental Neuropsychology. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. - Goldstein, L. & McNeil, J. (2013) Clinical Neuropsychology: A Practical Guide to Assessment and Management for Clinicians. West Sussex: John Wiley and Sons Ltd. - Halligan, P.W., Kischka, U., & Marshall, J.C. (2003) Handbook of Clinical Neuropsychology. Oxford: Oxford University Press. - Reed, J. & Warner-Rogers. J.( 2008) Child Neuropsychology. Concepts, Theory and Practice. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell. - Spreen, O., Risser, A., & Edgell, D. (latest edition) Developmental Neuropsychology. Oxford: Oxford University Press. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Seminar | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Michaela Scerri Hermione Andrejevic Samuel Aquilina (Co-ord.) Anne Marie Bonello Ryan Dominic Farrugia Amanda Fenech Mireille-Yvette Formosa |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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