XClose

UCL Psychology and Language Sciences

Home
Menu

Brain, Mind and Health

Module Aims

  • To build upon the basic knowledge and understanding gained during SLANG103 of the structure and function of the nervous system.
  • To develop understanding of the basic principles and key elements of the neurological examination.
  • To build upon knowledge and understanding gained during the summer teaching block of the basic pathology, key clinical features and general approaches to medical treatment of common acquired and inherited neurological disorders affecting speech, language, communication and swallowing.
  • To develop knowledge and understanding of basic neurobiological mechanisms of recovery and rehabilitation of acquired disorders of speech, language and communication.
  • To develop knowledge and understanding of the key effects of normal ageing on physical and psychological health, including common age-related health disorders, and key issues relating to end-of-life and palliative care.
  • To develop knowledge and understanding of the key clinical features and general approaches to psychiatric treatment for common mental health conditions which may impact upon communication.
  • To develop knowledge and understanding of key issues relating to health psychology, behaviour change, and psychosocial perspectives on communication and swallowing disorders.
  • To develop the ability to apply knowledge and understanding acquired during this module to clinical scenarios encountered in speech and language therapy practice.
  • To develop the ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in this module to other Year B modules, particularly Management of Communication Disorders 3: Language and Cognition (acquired), Management of Communication Disorders 4: Speech, Swallowing & Voice, and Professional Studies 2.

Module Contents

This module covers the following areas. Students are not expected to acquire a detailed knowledge of all elements of the syllabus. The level of knowledge expected of most topics is an overview or introductory level, with more detailed coverage of the areas of greatest direct relevance to speech and language therapy practice:

· Cell biology and organ system anatomy and physiology – an introduction to the fundamentals of cell biology and the structure and function of the organ systems in the human body.

· Functional neuroanatomy of the brain, cranial nerves, spinal cord and peripheral nervous systems – an overview of the functional organisation of the neural systems supporting motor control, sensation, vision, hearing, and cognitive functions, with specific attention to the neuroanatomy of speech and language.

· Clinical neurological assessment – an overview of bedside neurological evaluation of motor, sensory and cognitive function.

· Neurological disorders – overview of key clinical features, pathological processes, and approaches to investigation and treatment of common acquired and inherited neurological disorders affecting speech, language and communication.

· Neuroscience of recovery and rehabilitation – overview of mechanisms of recovery of brain and nerve function.

· Research and innovation in acquired speech & language disorders – introduction to neurobiological techniques used to research impairment, recovery and rehabilitation in acquired disorders of speech, language and communication.

· Ageing and health – overview of the effects of normal ageing on physical and psychological health, and common age-related disorders affecting health and cognition.

· Palliative and end-of-life care – introduction to issues relating to end-of-life and palliative care.

· Psychiatric and mental health disorders – overview of key clinical features and approaches to treatment of common mental health and psychiatric disorders impacting upon communication.

· Health psychology and behaviour change – overview of psychological and psychosocial influences on behaviour relating to health and the psychological impact of impaired communication; introduction to the psychological principles of behaviour change.

Assessment

Unseen examination 30%

Written assignment 70%