PYMFEB-Evidence-Based Treatments Across the Lifespan

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Fiona Knott
Email: F.J.Knott@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module will give students the opportunity to learn about interventions for psychological and neurological conditions from clinical experts in the field.  A range of psychological disorders and their treatment will be examined, allowing students to develop an understanding of evidence based practice.  The module will cover a range of conditions, such as anxiety and depression, and intervention modalities such as cognitive behaviour therapy and systemic approaches.

Aims:

The aim of the module is for students to evaluate the evidence base for models, theories and treatment approaches for a range of conditions/disorders across the lifespan.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

1. Explain and evaluate the evidence for psychological models and theories of particular psychological or neurological disorders


2. Appraise the evidence base for the effectiveness of psychological treatments

Additional outcomes:

Students will gain a broader understanding of the skills and challenges associated with clinical practice; and of the interplay between psychological theory, empirical evaluation, and clinical interventions. Students will apply theories, models and treatment approaches to clinical case material.

Outline content:

This module comprises 10 two -hour seminars on evidence-based psychological theory and treatments. The seminars include topics on specific disorders that occur in clinical practice (e.g. anxiety disorders, depression) across the lifespan from childhood to adulthood into older adulthood (e.g. neurodevelopmental problems in childhood, dementia). A range of evidence-based treatment modalities will also be explored, for instance Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).  

 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will use a combination of lectures, interactive activities and small and large group discussion, with the opportunity to watch/listen to illustrative audio and video and consider clinical case material.  Activities such as viewing introductory screencasts and guided reading to be undertaken in advance of the seminar will be set to facilitate engagement in activities and discussion

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		160
Preparation for seminars		20
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Set exercise	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. A poster relating to a topic covered in the seminars, for instance critical analysis of the efficacy of a clinical intervention.


2.  Written report (2250 words) which involves the application of theory and treatment approaches to clinical conditions.

Formative assessment methods:

Opportunities to develop skills in critical evaluation of research and its application to clinical psychology will be embedded in activities across all seminars. Such activities could include group work to design a research trial, class debates and discussion of video material.   There will be opportunities for formal and informal peer feedback as well as feedback from seminar convenors. 

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy “Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes”, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Pass requires 50% overall in the module overall; it is not necessary to achieve a passing grade in each element of the assessment. 

Reassessment arrangements:

Like for like reassessment on the element(s) failed 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 30 March 2023