Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE PSY5653

 
TITLE The Neuropsychological Profiles of Developmental and Acquired Brain Disorders

 
UM LEVEL 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course

 
MQF LEVEL 7

 
ECTS CREDITS 5

 
DEPARTMENT Psychology

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit describes how the outcome of neuropsychological functioning in different neurodevelopmental and acquired brain disorders is influenced by different factors, including aetiology and the underlying neuropathology. The complexity of studying developing brain function in the presence of pathology is illustrated by clinical case studies and syndrome profiles. Neuropsychological outcome following neurosurgical treatment is considered. Developmental disorders used to illustrate brain-behaviour relationships include neurological disorders such as epilepsy, stroke, sickle cell disease, and traumatic brain injury, neurodevelopmental syndromes such as autistic spectrum disorders, ADHD and dyslexia.

Study-Unit Aims:

This study-unit aims to equip participants with an understanding of developmental and acquired brain disorders with an emphasis on brain-behaviour relationships.

Participants will be enabled to develop a strong theoretical and research foundation on developmental disorders and neuropsychological profiles which they will relate to a proper conduct and interpretation of neuropsychological assessment.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Construct a framework for describing normal brain development;
- Describe the trajectory and implications of different categories of developmental disorders;
- Describe, explain and predict the consequences of acquired brain disorders;
- Demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of theoretical developments in the field of paediatric clinical neuropsychology;
- Critically discuss the differences between adult and child acquired brain injuries;
- Critically evaluate the neuropsychological profiles of different developmental or acquired disorders.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Critically apply research evidence to the proper diagnosis and assessment of developmental and acquired neuropsychological disorders;
- Demonstrate competence in the differential diagnosis of developmental and acquired brain disorders;
- Critically evaluate the relationship of neuropsychological profiles to acquired or developmental conditions;
- Construct rigorous neuropsychological formulations of paediatric cases taking into account the complex range of factors involved;
- Demonstrate competence in the critical application of research evidence for the integrative analysis of neuropsychological formulations leading to effective interventions.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

- Semrud-Clikeman, M., & Teeter Ellison, P.A. (2009) Child Neuropsychology: Assessment and Interventions for Neurodevelopmental Disorders. 2nd Edition. Springer.

Supplementary Readings:

- Anderson, V., Northam, E., & Wrennall, J. (2001) Developmental Neuropsychology. A Clinical Approach. East Sussex: Psychology Press.
- Donders, J., & Hunter, S.J. (2010) Principles and Practice of Lifespan Developmental Neuropsychology. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
- Goldstein, L. & McNeil, J. (2013) Clinical Neuropsychology: A Practical Guide to Assessment and Management for Clinicians. West Sussex: John Wiley and Sons Ltd.
- Halligan, P.W., Kischka, U., & Marshall, J.C. (2003) Handbook of Clinical Neuropsychology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Reed, J. & Warner-Rogers. J.( 2008) Child Neuropsychology. Concepts, Theory and Practice. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Seminar

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Case Study (Take Home) SEM2 Yes 50%
Examination (1 Hour) SEM2 Yes 50%

 
LECTURER/S Fiona Zoe Ambery
Stephanie Bartolo
Danae Gingell
Stephanie Satariano
Kristina Vella (Co-ord.)

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit