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:

1. Introduction to Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience
2. Cognitive Neuroscience: Investigating Brain Networks
3. Clinical Neuropsychology: Clinical Neuropsychological Assessment
4. Behavioural Neuroscience: Spatial Memory and Navigation, and the Neurobiology of Dementia
5. Cognitive Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuropsychiatry
6. 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: This course is an Honours Pathway Course.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Research, integrate, and effectively communicate knowledge in the field by presenting the output as part of a small-group project.