The Brain Across The Life Span (943C8)
The Brain Across The Life Span
Module 943C8
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
You will learn how your brain changes more than any other organ throughout your life. From gestation through old age, its complex structures and connectivity are constantly evolving, with neural pathways and networks being formed and reformed over time. Mapping changes in brain composition and dynamics across the lifespan is critical to identifying sensitive developmental processes that, when disrupted, can lead to poor functioning, well-being and disease. Here, you will study how scientists are still piecing together the intricacies of normal brain development and ageing, and how these might be altered negatively or positively by environmental and genetic factors.
Full Module Description
You will learn how your brain changes more than any other organ throughout your life. From gestation through old age, its complex structures and connectivity are constantly evolving, with neural pathways and networks being formed and reformed over time. Mapping changes in brain composition and dynamics across the lifespan is critical to identifying sensitive developmental processes that, when disrupted, can lead to poor functioning, well-being and disease. Here, you will study how scientists are still piecing together the intricacies of normal brain development and ageing, and how these might be altered negatively or positively by environmental and genetic factors.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key aspects of brain development and factors that impact it throughout the lifespan.
Appreciation of the role of biological factors and the environment in typical and atypical development.
Thoroughly understand the notion of plasticity and its implications for understanding how experience continuously shapes our brain and function from in utero into old age.
How brain development affects learning, health, and social outcomes across the lifespan. And understand the clinical phenotypes associated with atypical development and age-related disorders/diagnoses.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Essay | T2 Week 8 | 50.00% |
| Test | T2 Week 5 (1 hour) | 50.00% |
| Essay (1500 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00 | 70.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Liat Levita
Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/579626
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