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• Undergraduate study:
• Courses
• Order a prospectus
• How to apply
• Information for applicants
• Why choose Kingston University
• Disability and mental health support
• Accommodation
• Undergraduate fees
• Fees, funding and payments
• Access, participation and inclusion

Mental Health and Brain Function

• Module code: PS5008
• Year: 2018/9
• Level: 5
• Credits: 30
• Pre-requisites: N/A
• Co-requisites: N/A

Summary

This module will examine the nature and treatment of abnormal behaviour, thought and feeling.   Psychological disorders such as phobias, personality disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, obsessions and compulsions, social anxiety, panic disorders and mood disorders will be evaluated. The module will introduce the main characteristics of these disorders, current approaches to understanding and the main treatment options. The module will also explore how cognitive functions can be localised within the brain. Cognitive impairments that can arise in some psychological disorders illnesses will be examined. Finally, examples of how neurobiological data can help inform an understanding of psychological disorder will be evaluated.

Aims

• To introduce key areas of research within abnormal psychology;
• To examine how historical and current theoretical approaches and models account for abnormal behaviour;
• To introduce methods and strategies used by cognitive neuroscientists;
• To examine the biological basis of some cognitive deficits associated with psychological disorder.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Describe and evaluate broad and specific theoretical approaches to psychological disorders;
• Demonstrate knowledge of research studies that examine the causal factors, maintenance and treatment of psychological disorders;
• Demonstrate an appreciation of the link between theory, research and treatment of psychological disorders;
• Describe and critically evaluate the biological basis of some cognitive deficits in psychological disorders.

Curriculum content

Topics covered will include:

• Specific and social phobias
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Post traumatic disorder
• Eating disorders
• Mood disorders I
• Mood disorders II
• Schizophrenia
• Personality disorders
• Introduction to brain functions
• Localisation of cognitive functions within the brain
• Functional imaging and eye tracking
• The neural basis of consciousness
• Neural basis of emotion and thought
• Brain changes in schizophrenia: insights from imaging studies
• Brain changes in depression and anxiety: a neurobiological approach
• Psychological disorders and the brain: conclusions

Teaching and learning strategy

There will be 22 three-hour lectures each divided into two parts. The keynote first component of each lecture will present the core material and the second interactive session will allow for discussion of key issues and critical analysis of 1) theories and research in abnormal psychology 2)  discussion of methodology in cognitive neuroscience and 3) critical evaluation of key neurobiological research. Formative multiple-choice questions will be posted on StudySpace each week for students to check their learning progress and to direct them to key parts of the main topics.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Assessment strategy

Students will develop critical reflection about the core areas of investigation. Learning will be assessed via a 1,500-word essay worth 40% of the final mark, and a two-hour unseen exam worth 60% of the final mark. The essay will allow the students to demonstrate a critical appreciation and understanding of aspects of theory and research in abnormal psychology. The exam will allow students to demonstrate basic knowledge of cognitive neuroscience and test the students' capacity to integrate key information across the module.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Elements of Assessment

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module

Bibliography core texts

Kring, A.M., Davison, G.C., Neale, J.M., & Johnson, S.L. (2007). Abnormal Psychology (10th Ed.). New Jersey: Wiley.

Ward, J. (2010). The Student's Guide to Cognitive Neuroscience (2nd Ed.). Oxford:Pychology Press 

Bibliography recommended reading

Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J.H, & Jessel, T.M. (2000). Principles of neural science (4th ed.).Maidenhead, Berkshire:McGraw-Hill

Bennett, P. (2011). Abnormal and clinical psychology:an introductory textbook (3^rd ed.). Maidenhead, Berkshire:McGraw-Hill

Baars, B.J. & Gage, N.M. (2007) Cognition, Brain and Consciousness: Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience (2^nd ed.).London:Elsevier

Rieger, E.(2008) Abnormal Psychology: Leading researcher perspectives. (2^nd  Ed.). Maidenhead, Birkshire: McGraw-Hill Education. 

Journals: Trends in Neurosciences, Journal of abnormal psychology, Journal of Neuroscience, Brain