Module PSYC3411: Clinical Neuropsychology

Department: Psychology

PSYC3411: Clinical Neuropsychology

Prerequisites

• 60 credits from Level 2 Psychology Module

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• The module introduces the topics and skills associated with clinical neuropsychology. Students will be taught about functional localisation and symptoms of some neurological disorders, as well as how this information could be used to guide diagnostic or treatment decisions. Students will also be introduced to a range of assessment and rehabilitation methods, and encouraged to think about evidence-based practice and how this can be tailored to individual service users.

Content

• Specific examples of neurological symptoms, and how these inform our understanding of brain function and decisions regarding diagnosis/treatment.
• Assessment including interview, behavioural/cognitive/psychometric testing, and the use of neuroscientific methods (e.g., MRI, EEG).
• Treatment management, frameworks of practice, and evidence-based practice.
• Rehabilitation/treatment of some specific neuropsychological functions (e.g., partial visual loss).
• The module will also cover conceptual issues in the practice of clinical psychology.

Learning Outcomes

• Detailed knowledge of clinical neuropsychology including current evidence, frameworks and research.
• Knowledge of how to assess a range of psychological symptoms / neurological conditions.
• Understanding of treatment management, and evidence-based practice for the rehabilitation of specific conditions.

• Ability to review critically and consolidate understanding of a coherent body of psychological knowledge and apply it appropriately.

• Good written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in scholarship and research within broad guidelines.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Students' acquisition of detailed knowledge will be facilitated by lectures, audio-visual materials, discussions, and detailed reading lists.
• Lectures and discussions will give students the opportunity to interpret and evaluate the significance of empirical work, understand the challenges that can be faced in clinical practice for instance, and develop understanding of the practical skills required from a clinical neuropsychologist.
• A session with guest speakers (e.g., service users) will help students to understand real-world practice.
• This module will be assessed by a 2,000 word assignment and a 2 hour exam.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University