Skip to main content

Diseases and Disorders of the Brain

Duration 10 weekly meetings
Tutor Dr Bilal Malik
Course code SCI24A5194A
Fee £264
Concessionary fee £211 (find out about eligibility and funding options)
Location

Online course

Enrol now

This course discusses the history, development and treatment of diseases and disorders of the brain.

The approach adopted focuses on current research and developments relating to disorders of the brain and pays particular attention to the underlying molecular and genetic factors which are associated with these diseases.

Topics to be discussed:

  • history, causes and symptoms of Huntington's disease
  • history, causes and symptoms of Parkinson's disease
  • history, causes and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
  • history, causes and symptoms of Schizophrenia
  • mental health problems in neurological disorders
  • the research process and scientific method in researching neurological disorders
  • clinical trials process and examples in neurological diseases.

This course is open to anyone who is interested in the history, development and treatment of diseases and disorders of the brain.

The course can be taken as an optional module in the Pathway to a degree in Healthcare.

Learning and teaching

There will be lectures, discussions and case studies (20 hours). A full range of visual aids will be employed and you will be given critical feedback on your written reports.

Coursework and assessment

To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved.

Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.

The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning.

Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.

During the course you may be asked to undertake a presentation, complete a report, and there will be a class test at the end of the course.

Reading suggestions

The module is intended to give learners up-to-date information regarding current research within the field of neurological diseases, thus relevant and new references will be provided throughout the lectures.

The following are general textbooks and guides to help provide an overview:

  • J. Beatty Principles of Behavioral Neuroscience (1995) Wm. C. Brown Communications Inc. ISBN: 0697127419
  • M.-Marsel Mesulam (2000) Principles of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology. Oxford University Press Inc. 198 Madison Avenue, New York. ISBN: 0195134753
  • D Dickson and R.O. Weller (2011) Neurodegeneration: The Molecular Pathology of Dementia and Movement Disorders. John Wiley and Sons. ISBN: 1405196939
  • G. Goetz MD and E. J. Pappert MD. (2007) Textbook of Clinical Neurology. Saunders; 3rd edition. ISBN: 1416036180

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.