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Module Catalogue

MS927-20 Neuroscience and Mental Health

Department
Warwick Medical School
Level
Taught Postgraduate Level
Module leader
John Davey
Credit value
20
Module duration
9 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
Distance or Online Delivery

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Introductory description

This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the neurobiological basis of mental health and mental illness, enriched by critical psychosocial perspectives. It explores the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and social factors, investigating how the brain and nervous system function in relation to mental health disorders and overall wellbeing.

Module aims

To explore the complex neurobiology of mental health and illness, equipping students with a robust scientific foundation to inform diagnostic skills and treatment strategies.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The outline syllabus gives an indication of the topics that will be covered in the module.

  1. Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology related to mental health.
  2. Neurobiological underpinnings of mental health disorders.
  3. Neuroplasticity and its implications for mental health.
  4. The neurobiology of stress and resilience, incorporating psychosocial factors
  5. Neurological and psychosocial aspects of trauma.
  6. Neuroimaging techniques and their relevance to mental health.

Learning outcomes

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

  • Crtically analyse basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology related to mental health.
  • Discuss the neurobiological underpinnings of various mental health disorders.
  • Evaluate the role of neurotransmitters in mental health.
  • Discuss the concept of neuroplasticity and assess its implications for mental health.
  • Critically analyse the neurobiology of stress and resilience, incorporating psychosocial factors.
  • Assess the relevance of neuroimaging techniques to mental health.

Interdisciplinary

The understanding of mental health necessitates collaboration across disciplines, and it is appropriate that this is reflected in the course. The module is designed to appeal to a range of professionals, including medical, nursing, counselling, pharmaceutical, bioscience and other disciplines engaged in promoting good mental health.

International

The course will recruit from (and be delivered in) multiple territories, and the content will be tailored to the students’ own territories, reflecting local and international standards and approaches to understanding and promoting good mental health.

Subject specific skills

Subject-specific skills that will be obtained from the module include:

  • Ability to identify neurobiological processes associated with mental health presentations.
  • Ability to discuss the impact of neurochemical imbalances on mood and cognition.
  • Analytical skills in correlating structural brain changes with specific mental health conditions.

Transferable skills

Improvement of a range of transferable skills, including:

  • Written communication.
  • Oral communication.
  • Organisation and time management.
  • Independence and initiative.

Study time

Type Required
Online learning (scheduled sessions) 30 sessions of 1 hour (15%)
Online learning (independent) 130 sessions of 1 hour (65%)
Assessment 40 hours (20%)
Total 200 hours

Private study description

No private study requirements defined for this module.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
Presentation on the role of neuroplasticity in mental health recovery and treatment. 30% 15 hours Yes (extension)

Recorded presentation (10 minutes) discussing the role of neuroplasticity in mental health, with a focus on its implications for treatment and recovery.
Students will integrate knowledge from learning outcomes related to mental health disorders and stress and resilience into a coherent narrative as defined by the specific assessment question.
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Report on Neuroscience and Mental Health. 70% 25 hours Yes (extension)

A 2,000-word report exploring the role and limitations of neuroimaging, technologies or neurobiology in the diagnosis and treatment of a specific mental health disorder.
The assessment offers students the opportunity to demonstrate the complexities of mental health from a neurobiological perspective.
Reassessment component is the same
Feedback on assessment

Submissions will be marked and moderated using a standardised rubric on the following assessment criteria:

  • analysis
  • application
  • communication
  • evaluation
  • knowledge
  • understanding
    Feedback, including marks, will be given electronically to students.

There is currently no information about the courses for which this module is core or optional.