PSY3180 - Human neuropsychology: Developmental and neurodegenerative disorders

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Overview

This unit aims to familiarise students with the assumptions and principles upon which the hypotheses about brain-behaviour relationships are based in the discipline of clinical neuropsychology. A considerable emphasis is also placed on providing a thorough understanding of underlying brain pathology in a range of neurodevelopmental disorders (eg autism and … For more content click the Read More button below. Both developmental and neurodegenerative disorders will be covered in terms of prevalence, neuropsychological manifestations, neuropathology, assessment techniques and potential treatments. Key skills and techniques relevant to the practice of clinical neuropsychology will also be explored such as the assessment of cognitive functioning and the diagnosis of neuropsychological conditions.

This unit aims to familiarise students with the assumptions and principles upon which the hypotheses about brain-behaviour relationships are based in the discipline of clinical neuropsychology.

A considerable emphasis is also placed on providing a thorough understanding of underlying brain pathology in a range of neurodevelopmental disorders (eg autism and Tourette's syndrome) and neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases), as well as their neuropsychological consequences.

Both developmental and neurodegenerative disorders will be covered in terms of prevalence, neuropsychological manifestations, neuropathology, assessment techniques and potential treatments. Key skills and techniques relevant to the practice of clinical neuropsychology will also be explored such as the assessment of cognitive functioning and the diagnosis of neuropsychological conditions.

Offerings

S1-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

S1-FF-CLAYTON-FLEXIBLE

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Dr Anne-Marie Ternes

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Christopher Siva

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Evaluate the clinical and experimental approaches relevant to the study of neuropsychology.

Identify the behavioural consequences of brain dysfunction resulting from neurodegenerative disease and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Describe the underlying neuropathological consequences of neurodevelopment disorders, such as autism, dyslexia, Tourette's syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Compare the normal aging process with the neuropathological consequences of degenerative disorders, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Carry out extensive literature searches to research particular topics relevant to clinical neuropsychology.

Describe the techniques used in the practice of clinical neuropsychology such as the assessment of cognitive functioning, the use of neuropsychological tests, and the diagnosis of neuropsychological conditions.

Assessment summary

Examination (multiple choice, 90 minutes) (35%)
Case study essay (1750 words) (30%)
Short answer lab assignments (up to 1200 words each) (2x 17.5%)

Workload requirements

Workload

Other unit costs

Costs are indicative and subject to change.
Electronics, calculators, tools:
Recommended: webcam and microphone (available with a smartphone)

Availability in areas of study

Psychology
Psychological science