A module 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.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module students 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.
Assessment
- Other Neurodegenerative Disorders component: one 1500 word essay - January (50%)
- Huntingtons Disease component: one 1500 word essay - March (50%)
Module date details
- (ND-OND 3 days / 8 lectures)
- (ND Huntingtons Disease - 3 days / 9 lectures)
Module dates
Huntingtons disease (£485) 10th -12th February 2025
Neurodegenerative disorders (£485) 26th - 28th November 2024
Module Leads
- Dr Aaron Sturrock - other Neurodegenerative Disorders component
- Alexandra Fisher - Huntingtons Disease component
You can choose to study this course as either a microcredential or a non-credit CPD short course.
Why choose a Postgraduate Microcredential short course?
- Microcredentials offer the perfect opportunity to boost your CV without the committment of a full-degree
- Usually taken from exisiting 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 that once registered for the microcredential you cannot swap for the non-credit shortcourse version.
Apply for the Microcredential
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 recieve 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.
Apply for the non-credit CPD shortcourse
Please note that the non-credit version is split into two courses - Huntingtons Disease and Neurodegenerative Disorders
Entry requirements if taken as a stand alone course
For information on requirements please contact the Programme Administrator. You are encouraged to get in contact no later than 6 weeks before the start date of the module to ensure we can consider your application.
More information
Please contact the Postgraduate Administrator, +44 (0)121 415 8118, clinicalneuro@contacts.bham.ac.uk