This course focuses on the investigation of cognitive structures and processes through the assessment and treatment of patients following brain injury. The course consists of these modules:
- Introduction to Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience: Investigating Brain Networks
- Clinical Neuropsychology: Clinical Neuropsychological Assessment
- Behavioural Neuroscience: Spatial Memory and Navigation, and the Neurobiology of Dementia
- Cognitive Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuropsychiatry
- Neuropsychological Rehabilitation of Unilateral Visuospatial Neglect
You will have the opportunity to learn about, discuss, and evaluate methods including clinical neuropsychological testing and neuroimaging. You will also have the opportunity to learn about neuropsychological case studies. The focus will be on patterns of impaired performance in patients who, following brain injury, have disorders of cognition and perception. Topics will include: anosognosia and other delusions, episodic memory, unilateral visuospatial neglect, and neuropsychological rehabilitation.
The lectures will be matched to laboratory classes, in which you will gain the skills required to move confidently into clinical and academic research.
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain and evaluate scientific methods for advancing psychological knowledge, with an emphasis on understanding both the neural basis of selected psychological processes and cultural influences on cognition.
- Explain the strengths and limitations of various methodological approaches in cognitive experimental psychology, cognitive neuropsychology and clinical neuropsychology, with the goal of moving to independent neuropsychological research.
- Evaluate the clinical research tools used to recommend treatment for neuropsychological disorders that occur following brain injury, such as disorders of visual and somatosensory attention, memory, and executive functions.
- Research, integrate, and effectively communicate knowledge in the field by presenting outputs as part of small-group projects.
Other Information
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) required competencies:
As part of the mandatory requirements from the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), students must demonstrate the specific competencies listed in the learning outcomes for this course. For example, group tasks assess the required demonstration of teamwork skills, and presentations assess the required demonstration of oral communication skills. Some students may be eligible to have recommended reasonable adjustments applied to materials, activities or assessment tasks provided the integrity of the course, and the competencies being assessed, are maintained.
For more information, please contact the Course Convenor.
Indicative Assessment
- Laboratory Class Exercises, including On-Line Reflection Posts, Quizzes, etc. (15) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Laboratory Class Small-Group Presentation on Neuropsychological Rehabilitation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Written Proposal for Neuropsychological Rehabilitation (1500 words) (5) [LO 1,2,3]
- Mid-Semester Examination (30) [LO 1,2]
- Final Examination (40) [LO 1,2,3]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component, which may consist of 2 hours of lectures per week and 4 x 3-hour laboratory classes spread across the semester.
- Approximately 94 hours of self-directed study, which will include preparation for lectures, laboratory classes, and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the School of Medicine and Psychology to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
There is no textbook for this course. Required readings (and supplementary readings) will consist of journal articles and book chapters, which will be assigned weekly by the lecturer.
Assumed Knowledge
Cognitive Psychology and /or Biological Psychology at tertiary education level.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2597 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | N/A |