PY0553 - Sleep and Health

On this module you will learn through a combination of lectures, in-class activities and workshops, along with independent study.

You will attend a series of two-hour research-rich, interactive lectures to learn about the main areas in sleep and circadian rhythm research and theory. These lectures will provide the basic framework for syllabus topics. The interactive elements will involve discussion of the particular topic areas introduced in the taught sessions. The aim of the interactive lectures is to consolidate information learnt through independent reading and to encourage you to apply your knowledge in a problem-based learning situation. You will have the opportunity for group discussion, enabling you to communicate your ideas and findings in a group setting, showing sensitivity to the perspectives of others. Effective oral and visual communication skills will be developed through such activities. During a hands-on workshop session, you will be introduced to the methods of objectively measuring sleep. This will enable you to translate knowledge of sleep to research practice in the laboratory.

The module tutor will support you by making a variety of resources linked to the taught elements and assessments available on the e-learning portal (e.g. PowerPoint slides, handouts, reading lists, directed assessment related-activities, journal articles) along with links to websites to encourage further exploration of sleep and circadian rhythms. A discussion board on the eLearning Portal will be available for students to pose and respond to questions among peers and to module tutors. This enhances collegiality and also means that support is available to all students. Technology enabled learning will be implemented through the use of Panopto lecture recording.
Interactive lectures, seminars and workshops will provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues related to the module with a member of staff.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MK1: You will be able to understand the relationship between neurological, biological, psychological, hormonal and environmental pathways in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness, and to consider how these factors underlie inter-individual differences in sleep and circadian rhythms
• MK2: You will be able to evaluate the necessity and utility of subjective and objective methods to assess sleep, sleepiness and circadian rhythmicity

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MIP1: You will be able to demonstrate key skills associated with psychological research, including effective experimental design, an understanding of methodologies to address research questions, and effective communication skills
• MIP2: You will take charge of your own career development learning, through critical self-evaluation and reflection on the relevance of the module for career enhancement and future learning. These skills are important for your employability.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MPV1: You will understand and appreciate the value of research in the creation of new knowledge and practice, and effectively communicate this through appropriate media. In doing so you will develop your characteristics as a NorthumbrIa Psychology graduate.

Formative Assessment
During the lectures and workshop session, you will be introduced to the methods of polysomnography, actigraphy and sleep diaries to assess sleep. This session will enable you to familiarise yourself with the process of data collection, and calculation of key variables relevant to sleep research. This will be useful for your understanding of data from research articles discussed during the remainder of the module, and will prepare you for the summative assessment by providing hands on experience evaluating sleep using different methodologies, and the opportunity for discussion with peers and the module tutor (MK1, MK2, MIP1, MPV1).

Summative Assessment
There are two assessments for this module. The first is a sleep diary commentary, with an accompanying research proposal (3500 words total; worth 90% of the module mark). You will be provided with a research question, drawing on one of the topic areas covered on the course, and asked to design an experiment to appropriately examine the hypotheses. (MK1, MK2, MIP1, MPV1)


The second assessment is a self-reflective account in which you will be asked to consider how this module has impacted on your employability and future career (MIP2). This will be worth 10% of the module mark (500 words)

Feedback
Formative assessments, the module tutor will provide immediate verbal feedback on top of peer feedback provided through discussion in the workshop session.

For the summative assessments, feedback will be provided on the electronic submission in the form of a level-specific rubric. Additional written comments will be provided that identify a minimum of one strength, one weakness and one area for improvement.

You will be required to arrange a workshop with your personal guidance tutor for formal feedback on your reflection.

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On this module you will explore the biological and psychological processes of sleep and circadian rhythms across the lifespan; and to critically review the various methodologies that have been posited to examine sleep and circadian rhythms. You will consider the epidemiology of sleep disorders, as well as factors underlying inter-individual differences in sleep and circadian rhythms, and the relationship between sleep and health. A series of research-rich lectures, and a tour of our state-of-the-art Northumbria Sleep Research facilities, will enable you to be introduced to, and gain hands-on experience of, the methodologies available for assessing sleep and circadian rhythms. The module is assessed in 3 parts: 1) a sleep diary and commentary; 2) a hypothetical research proposal to address a set research question; and 3) a reflective passage which evaluates the skills you have gained through the module and how these may be applied to your degree pathway and wider career.