What role does dopamine play in the emergence and experience of psychosis?
Maintaining good academic practice
Unless stated otherwise, the references for the source(s) of information that you use should be given after the answer to each question (references should be in OU Harvard style – see the Module Guide for further information). References cited at the end of your answers to questions (or as
part of a bibliography) and in-text citations are not included in word counts, where these apply. You are presenting a piece of written work as part of your assessment for a master’s level module. So you are expected to write clearly and accurately, using appropriate evidence where necessary.
Failure to follow good academic practice in using references and accrediting your sources will result in the loss of marks.
Plagiarism
You should be aware of what the term ‘plagiarism’ means, what is deemed to be acceptable and unacceptable academic practice, how to correctly reference different source materials, and how good academic practice, including different learning strategies and study skills, can help you to avoid plagiarism and function as an effective learner. The content and exercises on the DGAP website allow you to test your existing knowledge and to develop this further to meet the requirements for advanced level study. The University considers plagiarism and collusion as ‘academic misconduct’ and takes this very seriously. Plagiarism-detection software (Turnitin and CopyCatch) will be used for all assignments submitted for assessment on SD816. Incidences of suspected plagiarism or collusion will be investigated further by the Academic Conduct Office (see Module Guide). Please ensure that you check your own understanding is in line with the University’s guidance on good academic practices and, if you have any queries, contact your tutor in the first instance.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes listed below (see the Module Guide for the full list). You will be assessed according to how well you demonstrate the following learning outcomes.
Knowledge and understanding
KU1 Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the nature of psychosis or dementia from biological, psychological and social science perspectives*
KU2 Demonstrate understanding of the theoretical basis of diagnosis and intervention in psychosis and dementia*
KU3 Recognise the contribution of different disciplines to our understanding of psychosis or dementia*
KU4 Discuss contemporary topics in psychosis or dementia*
Cognitive skills
CS1 Synthesise, summarise and critically evaluate evidence and arguments
CS2 Analyse, evaluate and interpret scientific and clinical data appropriately
CS3 Use evidence to present a balanced view of the biological and psychological principles underlying psychosis or dementia*
CS4 Reflect on the relevance of an interdisciplinary approach to studying issues in mental health science (using psychosis or dementia as examples)
CS5 Recognise different lines of evidence and appreciate the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of current knowledge in the study of psychosis and dementia*
Key skills
KS1 Use electronic means of communication, information searching and retrieval
KS2 Identify and obtain relevant research articles (both historic and contemporary), to prepare a cogent argument on a particular aspect of psychosis or dementia*
KS3 Communicate scientific information accurately and effectively in a style that suits the purpose and audience
KS4 Articulate an understanding of research in psychosis or dementia*
KS5 Identify research questions or conceptual challenges pertinent to the study of psychosis or dementia*
Practical and/or professional skills
PS1 Communicate critical assessment of primary and secondary literature within the topics of psychosis or dementia
(*) this module focuses on psychosis and dementia as the core topics in mental health science; the domain in which these Learning Outcomes (LOs) will be tested will change according to the assessment (e.g. TMA01 focuses on dementia and TMA02 on psychosis). However, for the end-of-module assessment, you would be expected to achieve LOs in all domains (i.e. across Parts 1 and 2 of the EMA).
Essay
This question carries 30% of the total marks for this assignment, and covers learning outcomes KU1- KU4, CS1, CS3-CS5, KS2, KS3 and PS1. You should restrict your answer to no more than 1200 words. References cited as bibliography and in-text citations are not included in the word count. You are free to consult the core readings, supplementary readings and external peer-reviewed articles (i.e. those published in scientific and medical journals) within your answer. The ‘target audience’ for your essay are fellow students in your tutor group.
Marks will be allocated for the structure of the essay (introduction, organisation, logical progression and conclusion; 6%) as well as for the content (relevant material supporting your argument; 12%), and scholarship and understanding (demonstrable evidence of critical thinking, appropriate depth of analysis, clarity of focus, logical reasoning, understanding of the topic, awareness of issues/strengths and limitations/underlying assumptions, and evidence of wider reading on the topic; 12%).
Write an essay on the following:
What role does dopamine play in the emergence and experience of psychosis?