Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE PSY5650

 
TITLE Foundations of Clinical Neuropsychology

 
UM LEVEL 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course

 
MQF LEVEL 7

 
ECTS CREDITS 5

 
DEPARTMENT Psychology

 
DESCRIPTION This unit provides the scientific knowledge underpinning contemporary neuropsychology practice. This unit introduces the historical, theoretical and methodological foundations of cognitive neuroscience. In order to study the complex multifaceted development of human cognition and its neural underpinnings it is essential that scientists in traditionally distinct fields integrate their methodologies. Students are introduced to the fundamental principles behind a range of methodologies with examples of leading-edge research and its potential clinical implications.

Study-Unit Aims:

This study-unit is aimed at enabling participants to develop a framework and understanding of the important theories and research in Neuropsychology. The main aims are for participants to develop a solid understanding of the historical development of neuropsychology with an emphasis on how brain organisation has been conceived and researched. Participants will also develop an understanding of the scope of modern neuropsychology, and relevant research methods and findings.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the scientific knowledge underpinning contemporary neuropsychology practice;
- Demonstrate a solid understanding of the historical, theoretical and methodological foundations of cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology;
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the fundamental principles behind a range of methodologies with examples of leading-edge research in neuropsychology and its potential clinical implications.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate competence in integrating the methodologies of traditionally distinct fields of cognitive psychology, neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience in order to study the complex multifaceted development of human cognition and its neural underpinnings;
- Evaluate critically the contribution of the different areas of research related to neuropsychology and their influence on neuropsychological practice;
- Evaluate critically current research literature in neuropsychology.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

- Andrewes, D. (2016) Neuropsychology. From Theory to Practice. East Sussex: Psychology Press, Taylor and Francis.

Supplementary Readings:

- 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.
- Marshall, J.C. & Gurd, J.M (2012) The Handbook of Clinical Neuropsychology.Oxford:Oxford University Press.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Seminar

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Examination (2 Hours) SEM1 Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S Fiona Zoe Ambery

 

 
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