View Specification DocumentAutism and Neurodivergence (PGT Conv) PSYCH5115
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Psychology and Neuroscience
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course introduces students to the broad range of current research into autism and neurodivergence. The approach to the topic is multi-disciplinary, examining the psychological construct of autism and neurodivergence at the cognitive, neural and genetic levels as well as considering the historical and contemporary social context in which research on the topic takes, or has taken, place and the views of the autistic and neurodivergent communities. The course features in-class discussion as well as more traditional didactic content and uses authentic coursework assessment.
Timetable
Weekly two-hour lectures
Requirements of Entry
Standard University entry requirements for Post-graduate courses apply.
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
Coursework 100%. This will consist of two components:
1. An individual presentation on an assigned topic which will demonstrate students' achievement of learning objectives 1-5, and partly achieve learning objective 6. This presentation will be intended for an audience of peers (i.e. fellow students who have attended the course) (80%).
2. A short written piece describing the presentation, intended as a dissemination document to (a) advertise the presentation to an audience from the general public and (b) demonstrate how the presentation is consistent with current autism research priorities, to demonstrate further achievement of learning objective 6 (20%)
Course Aims
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the field of contemporary research into autism and neurodivergence, with the ultimate goals of (1) providing a thorough understanding of theories of autism & neurodivergence from a range of perspectives and (2) making students aware of the historical, social and scientific context of current thinking about autism & neurodivergence
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
1. critically evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of current definitions and diagnostic techniques for autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions.
2. critically assess current psychological/cognitive theories of autism & neurodivergence.
3. critically assess current neural theories of autism & neurodivergence.
4. critically evaluate the influence of genetic, environmental and cultural factors on autism & neurodivergence
5. synthesise their knowledge of the social and scientific context in which autism & neurodivergence exists in order to critically evaluate their influence on current thinking
6. disseminate their knowledge of contemporary research and thinking about autism and neurodivergence to both general and informed audiences