Neurodegenerative Disorders20 credits

A course which covers the main neurodegenerative disorders: diagnosis and differential diagnosis, neuropsychological testing, psychiatric features of neurodegeneration, and bio/psycho/social management. The 3-day block of the module covers Huntington disease: diagnostic signs and symptoms, clinical course, epidemiology, genetic mechanisms (with their impact on the brain), pattern of communication, mobility, daily activities, nutrition, and other care needs. The ethical and legal issues in providing care for people with Huntington disease, as well as existing and preferred services, are also covered within this component of the module.

On completion you should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the neurobiology of abnormal mental states in common neurodegenerative disorders so that they can apply this knowledge to improve patient outcomes. Identify the different presentations of Huntington disease;
• Develop a structure for assessment and management of people who have neurodegenerative disorders which reflects a critical understanding of the literature and well-developed clinical reasoning. Understand the differential diagnosis between Huntington disease and other neurodegenerative disorders;
• Work with both neurological and psychiatric ideas to develop an integrated model of these disorders leading to an enhancement of clinical practice. Understand the methods of investigation and diagnosis, as well as the management options available to patients with Huntington disease, and apply them to clinical practice;
• Provide a critique and synthesis of the existing scientific literature and apply this to practice. Critically appraise the scientific literature on the clinical and research aspects of Huntington disease.

Module Leads

• Dr Aaron Sturrock - other Neurodegenerative Disorders component
• Alexandra Fisher - Huntingtons Disease component

Course dates

• Huntingtons disease (£485) 10th -12th February 2025
• Neurodegenerative disorders (£485) 26th - 28th November 2024

Assessment

• Other Neurodegenerative Disorders component: one 1500 word essay - January (50%)
• Huntingtons Disease component: one 1500 word essay - March (50%)

Credits

20 credits

Please contact the Postgraduate Administrator, +44 (0)121 415 8118, clinicalneuro@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Why choose a Postgraduate Microcredential short course?

• Microcredentials offer the perfect opportunity to boost your CV without the commitment of a full degree
• Usually taken from existing modules within a Masters, they can be used as standalone credentials with some also counting as academic credits at postgraduate level
• Add a postgraduate level qualification to your CV
• Develop the specialist skills you need for your career goals
• Alumni status with the University of Birmingham
• Learners will have the same access to our student support and campus facilities as our students on full degree programmes.

Please note the deadline for submitting an application:

• Applicants eligible for Home fees are to apply a minimum of 6 weeks before the module start date.
• Applicants eligible for Overseas fees are to apply a minimum of 3 months before the module start date.

Please note that once registered for the microcredential you cannot swap for the non-credit short course version.

Non-credit short course

The microcredential and the non-credit short course follow the same course structure, the difference between them both is with the non-credit short course you do not take the assessment at the end therefore you will not receive credits but will receive a certificate of completion, this certificate cannot be converted to credits.

Please note if you apply for the non-credit short course, you cannot swap to the microcredential version once registered.

Places on the non-credit short course are limited so please enquire before if spaces are available.