BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology) / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Introduction to Psychology and Lifespan Development

Course unit fact file
Unit code PCHN11601
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 1
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

This module will provide a general introduction to research and theory in major areas of cognitive psychology. The influence of lifespan changes on physical, social and cognitive development will be evaluated. Where appropriate, applications of cognitive psychology in "real world" audiology settings will be demonstrated.

Aims

The unit aims to:

  • Provide a basic understanding of the central theoretical models and concepts in core areas of cognitive psychology relevant to the psychological consequences of hearing disease and hearing disorders.
  • To raise awareness of common changes in physical, cognitive, and social processes across the lifespan.
  • To demonstrate the relevance of psychology and lifespan development to audiology.

Learning outcomes

Students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of the range of research areas covered by cognitive psychology, as well as experimental methods employed by cognitive psychologists.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the central theoretical models and concepts in core areas of cognitive psychology.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the application of psychological theory and research evidence to clinical practice.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the integration of different research methodologies applied to both healthy and impaired populations informs our understanding of auditory cognition.
  • Know the key developmental changes that commonly occur from infancy to old age.

Intellectual skills

  • Critical thinking and analysis.
  • Enhancement of evaluative and interpretive skills.
  • Develop the ability to think critically and question received information.
  • Develop communication skills.

Practical skills

  • Use of the library and electronic sources to support learning.
  • Enhancement of writing skills.

Transferable skills and personal qualities

  • Effective communication skills.
  • Academic reading.
  • Introduction to research methods.

Syllabus

  • Motivation and Emotion.
  • Stress.
  • Social psychology.
  • Memory.
  • Language.
  • Learning and Conditioning.
  • Lifespan: conception to childhood.
  • Lifespan: adolescence.
  • Lifespan: adulthood.
  • Abnormal cognitive psychology.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, class discussions, directed reading, web examples, formative MCQ quizzes.

Assessment methods

  1. Practice MCQs, discussions on an individual and group basis (formative)
  2. Essay on the impact of hearing loss on different aspects of life development (1000 words, 80%)
  3. 10 online MCQ assessments (weekly, 20%)

Feedback methods

Feedback during teaching sessions (group discussion and formative MCQs).

Opportunities for general feedback on essay assignment (one-on-one meetings and/or via email).

Recommended reading

Eysenck, M. W., & Keane, M. T. (2013). Cognitive Psychology - a student's handbook. 6th edition. Hove: Psychology Press.

Hayes, N. (2000). Foundations of Psychology. 3rd edition. London: Thompson learning.

Hewstone, M., Fincham, F.D., & Foster, J. (2005). Psychology. Oxford: The British Psychological Society and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Boyd, D, Bee, H. (2013). Lifespan Development. Essex: Pearson.

Freiberg, K. (1992). Human Development. A life-span approach. 4th edition. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Sheridan MD. (1997). From birth to five years: children's' developmental progress. London: Routledge.

More specific references will be provided in lectures.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Seminars 24
Independent study hours
Independent study 76

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Rebecca Millman Unit coordinator

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