| CODE | PSY5579 | ||||||
| TITLE | Clinical Neuropsychology – Theory and Practice | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Psychology | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The unit introduces students to the theory and practice in clinical neuropsychology, with practical related work being undertaken in the attached placement. The sessions are organised primarily around cognitive functions such as language, vision and memory, covering such areas as ageing, brain damage, developmental issues and neuro-rehabilitation. Coverage of the topics includes theoretical issues, practical aspects of assessment, and illustrations using clinical cases. The placement is divided into two parts as follows: Part 1: a 10 hour practical workshop on the principles and practice of neuropsychological assessment in a clinical context. The workshop will include the following topics: The neuropsychological examination, using test batteries, interpreting patterns of deficits, choosing and interpreting tests of specific cognitive functions, detecting malingering and incomplete effort, assessing functional outcome, assessing people whose mother tongue is not English. Part 2: Trainees will spend 18 hours under supervision observing and engaging in neuropsychological assessment and intervention with patients with various neuropsychological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s. Parkinson’s and other dementias, head injury, cerebrovascular accidents, epilepsy and neuropsychological disorders in childhood. Objectives: The aim of this study-unit is to provide a basic introduction to clinical neuropsychology. It is designed to help trainees to learn how to go about assessing patients with suspected neurological and neuropsychiatric problems, and to relate this to associated theoretical and research developments. The teaching draws on the knowledge of the neurosciences including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and neurochemistry (which students would have done at undergraduate level), in addition to purely psychological studies. The main objective of the practice placement is to provide trainees with the opportunity to observe neuropsychologists and neuropsychiatrists in their work with clients exhibiting various forms of neuropsychological conditions and disorders, and subsequently to carry out neuropsychological assessment and intervention under supervision themselves so as to develop the required competencies for psychological work with such patients. Learning Outcomes Knowledge and understanding: By the end of the study-unit students will have understood theoretical and research developments in the field of clinical neuropsychology and will be able to relate clinical neuropsychological assessment to underlying theories. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the students will possess beginning skills in assessing patients with suspected neurological and neuropsychiatric problems, and to relate this to associated theoretical and research developments. Attitude: Students will develop a non-discriminatory and benevolent approach and an open and non-judgmental stance. Students will adopt the use of a non-stigmatizing language as well as a de-pathologizing attitude whereby the main focus is on the individual rather than the diagnostic label or condition. Outline: 1. Introduction to Clinical Neuropsychology 2. Common neuropsychological disorders in childhood, adulthood and old age 3. Assessing patients with neuropsychological disorders 4. Rehabilitation and other interventions with patients with neuropsychological disorders: medical, psychological, social interventions 5. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson, and other dementias 6. Head injury 7. Cerebro Vascular Accidents 8. Epilepsy 9. Specific neuropsychological disorders in childhood. Bibliography: Heilman, K.M. and Valenstein, E. (2003) (eds) Clinical Neuropsychology . Fourth Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Lezak, M. D., Howieson, D. B., & Loring, D. W. (2004). Neuropsychological Assessment. 4th ed. Oxford: OUP. Richards, T., Clark, T., & Clarke, C. (2007). The human brain and its disorders. Oxford University Press. Sohlberg, M.M. and Mateer, C.A. (2001) Cognitive Rehabilitation: An Integrative Approach. NY: Guildford Press. Whishaw, I.Q. and Kolb, B. (2004) Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology. Fifth edition. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Rebecca Gorrieri |
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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 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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