The Psychology of Aging and Psychogeriatrics
2013-2014 - MGE4011 - 15 ECTS

On the basis of

MGE4001 Introduction to Gerontology

Expected learning outcomes

Within the field of knowledge:

The student

can apply and discuss knowledge about the mental and cognitive resources of the elderly
can apply and discuss knowledge about family- and sex ratio of importance for the psychology of aging
can apply and discuss knowledge about sorrow, loss and emergencies among the elderly

Within skills:
The student

is able to set psychological aging processes into a development-psychological perspective
can distinguish between the most important psycho-geriatric conditions and discuss forms of treatment for these
can apply and discuss knowledge about the organization and management of forms of treatment within Psychogeriatrics and dementia care

Within general competence:
The student

has a conscious and critical relationship to one's own knowledge and skills within psychological aging and psychogeriatrics

Topic(s)

Development-psychological perspectives of aging
Aging and personality
Aging in a sexual perspective
Aging, relations of family and generation
Learning, memory and intelligence
Perception and motor skills
Loneliness, sorrow and loss reactions
Mastering and mastering strategies
Relevant welfare technology
Depression and anxiety
Psychoses
Age dementia
Challenges within administration and management within psychogeriatrics and dementia care
Innovation
Important research methods within the field of the Psychology of aging

Teaching Methods

Essay
Lectures
Group works
Net Support Learning
Meeting(s)/Seminar(s)
Tutoring
Other

Teaching Methods (additional text)

MGE4011 (Module 2) starts with a common joint session for all the students. The students will be divided into groups. Each of these groups will conduct seminars along with the lecturers and staff. Time schedule and work requirements for MGE4011 (Module 2) will be discussed, and one agrees on meeting times for each group. In addition, resource lectures for topics in MGE4011 (Module 2) will be held. Each student group will also receive assignments connected to these topics (see "Obligatory work requirements").

Computer-based resource lectures will also be given, distributed across MGE4011 (Module 2). The remaining course material will be studied via individual studies of literature and groupwise/computerbased discussion forums.
Tutoring for essay will be given during this period.

Form(s) of Assessment

Essay

Form(s) of Assessment (additional text)

The student writes an essay of 4000 words connected to the topic the psychology of aging. The essay is to be handed in by the end of MGE4011 the Psychology of Aging and Psychogeriatrics (Module two) and will be assessed according to the current marking scale. The requirements are higher than for the essay from MGE4001 Introduction to Gerontology (Module one).
The assessment criteria are:
•   A precise research question
•   Professional understanding
•   Clear precision of language
•   Logical structure
•   Ethical reflections
•   Conclusions based on documentation in the text
Both the essay and the pedagogical presentation at the seminar are to be included in the portfolio.

Grading Scale

Alphabetical Scale, A(best) – F (fail)

External/internal examiner

Internal examiner

Re-sit examination

A new essay must be presented for assessment in agreement with the course coordinator

Coursework Requirements

Obligatory work requirements:
1. Each student group works on study assignments connected to the topics in the lecture (see "Pedagogical methods").
2. Towards the end of MGE4011 (Module 2) a computer-based seminar will be organized. Here the students shall present important parts of the subject material connected to the course assignments they have worked with to each other.
3. Participation in tutoring for the essay

Additional information

Course coordinator:
Professor Per Erik Solem