Neurological Rehabilitation

(2.5-3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: · Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific principles that underpin neurological rehabilitation.· Be able to outline and critically evaluate the conceptual links between adaptation and learning governed by neural plasticity, and methods employed to remediate neurological disorders and progressive neurological diseases. · Show an appreciation of the key theoretical frameworks, observations and conclusions that are relevant to the study of movement dysfunction, and be able to critically analyse this knowledge within a wider socio-historical and intellectual context. · Describe, and be able to appraise the strengths and limitations of a variety of experimental techniques and research methodologies that are used in the domain of neurological rehabilitation. · Exhibit the ability to analyse and critically evaluate original research from a range of disciplines including the neurosciences, and cognitive science. · Have an awareness of the ethical issues, and those relating to values and diversity of experience that are relevant to neurological rehabilitation. · Speak and write effectively in discourse concerning the subject matter of neurological rehabilitation. Module Learning Aims This module will cover approaches to meeting the needs of people with neurological disorders and progressive neurological diseases. As the production of purposeful goal directed movement pervades all aspects of behaviour, there will be a specific focus upon the physical, psychological and social consequences of movement dysfunction. The module will deal with the scientific principles underlying neurological rehabilitation, including motor control and learning. The student is also introduced to intervention strategies that are designed to maintain or re-establish functional capability, such as brain-computer interfaces, robot assisted therapy, deep brain stimulation and cortical stimulation. For whom is the module intended? Psychology Junior & Senior Sophister SH/TSM students and Higher Diploma in Psychology Years 1& 2 students. How does it fit in to the academic programme? This module provides advanced coverage of material in some of the essential aspects of the discipline of psychology and is required to be covered by the professional accreditation body, Psychological Society of Ireland. From a teaching point of view, what are the intentions of the lecturer? To provide students with an in-depth understanding of neurological rehabilitation: the links between brain plasticity (i.e., anatomical, physiological and functional reorganization), adaptation and learning, and the design of interventions which meet the needs of people with neurological disorders and progressive