PSYC3647: The Ever Adapting Brain - Sensory Neuroplasticity

• 60 credits from Level 2 Psychology modules

• In this module you will learn about the brain's amazing ability to adapt and change itself with a special focus on neuroplastic changes in response to sensory deprivation such as vision loss. You will learn about mechanisms and theories and applications.

• This module examines neuroplasticity with a special focus on changes in response to sensory deprivation such as vision loss.
• It begins with an introduction to sensory neuroplasticity before critically addressing relevant mechanisms, theories and applications.
• These can vary from year to year but are likely to include behavioural and brain imaging evidence, the role played by age and sensory experience, the role played by cortical and subcortical structures, relevant models and methods, sensory substitution and augmentation.
• The module will also cover related conceptual and historical issues in psychology.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Detailed knowledge of sensory neuroplasticity including current theory and evidence

Subject-specific Skills:

• Ability to review critically and consolidate understanding of a coherent body of psychological knowledge and apply it appropriately

Key Skills:

• Good written communication skills
• Good IT skills in word processing
• Ability to work independently in scholarship and research within broad guidelines

• Students' acquisition of detailed knowledge will be facilitated by lectures, some small group work, audio-visual materials, discussions and reading lists
• These modes of teaching provide students with detailed knowledge of the key theories and the skills needed to evaluate different theoretical positions in light of current evidence
• The summative essay will assess students' detailed subject knowledge
• An assessment of the range, recency and appropriateness of sources will be included in the overall assessment of the essay
• The use of group discussions / small group work will ensure that students are exposed to a range of different theoretical positions, and encouraged to understand their inter-relations
• Lectures, discussions and small group work will also give students the opportunity to interpret and evaluate the significance of empirical work
• The summative essay assesses students' acquired knowledge of theoretical principles and empirical studies and their ability to organise and synthesise them coherently and critically in written form in response to a set question
• The summative essay will also assess students' written communication skills
• Feedback on the summative essays will be available within 3 teaching weeks allowing students plenty of time to benefit from feedback on this aspect of their work

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.