Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit aims to provide a broad introduction to the area of neuropsychology and discusses both the clinical and cognitive approaches in the field. Three broad areas will be covered, namely neuroanatomy, neuropathology, and the cognitive analysis of resulting deficits. You will learn about major neuroanatomical structures and their interconnections, with an emphasis on how this information is applied in the clinical setting. You will also study a number of neuropsychological disorders in terms of their diagnosis, assessment and treatment, as well as the psychosocial effects such deficits have on the patients. The deficits themselves will be considered from a cognitive perspective, with a view not only to understand the nature of the dysfunction but also to further specify our knowledge regarding the functional architecture of the cognitive system. Disorders covered in lectures will include the more commonly occurring illnesses such as stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury, and some of the resulting cognitive deficits, such as aphasia, memory impairments, and the planning and execution of every day tasks. In addition, guest lecturers and individuals who have suffered a brain injury will expand your knowledge in the field by drawing on their own (clinical) experience.

Aims

This unit aims to extend your understanding of neuropsychology, by highlighting both the clinical and cognitive aspects that characterise observed deficits. You will be encouraged to evaluate and think critically about the applications of these two approaches in the understanding of behaviour.

Objectives

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

1. discuss the basic conceptual framework and underlying assumptions of neuropsychology and compare different approaches to the study of neuropsychology;


2. understand the basis of the brain-behaviour relationship and know some of the deficits associated with a number of neuropsychological disorders;


3. describe various deficits in terms of the implications for our understanding of cognitive functioning;


4. discuss the various applications of neuropsychological knowledge for clinical and research purposes.

Content

• Review of brain structures, functions, and research methods


• Developmental cognitive neuropsychology


• Tumours, regeneration and neuroplasticity


• Vascular disorders


• Neuropsychological assessment and related issues


• Disorders of movement


• Traumatic Brain Injury


• Disorders of memory


• Aphasia


• Issues of control: The frontal lobes and executive function


• Consciousness and attention: Issues of awareness and neglect

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit is designed around a series of lectures and tutorials. The lectures are intended to provide the theoretical foundations of this subject area. The tutorials will provide you with the opportunity to:

1. apply the knowledge you have acquired in a manner used in many professional settings and to impart additional knowledge acquired through research to your peers (i.e. through group discussion and analysis of case studies);


2. use modern technology combined with problem-solving approach to determine solutions to issues raised in lectures;


3. gain a practical and applied perspective from guest speakers on topics raised in lectures.

Assessment name: Extended Essay
Description: This assignment is designed to allow you to evaluate the current evidence regarding assessment, treatment and the underlying cognition relevant to the evaluation and assessment of a case study.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Final Examination
Description: The final exam is essay-based, consisting of both short and long essay questions. Questions will be based on material covered in lectures, tutorials and core readings.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

The following texts are recommended. Please note that there is no requirement to purchase these texts. The unit draws on both the texts listed below and its extensive Course Materials Database consisting of selected readings.

1. Gazzaniga, M.S., Ivry, R.B., Mangun, G.R. (2009). Cognitive neuroscience: The biology of the mind (3rd ed.). N.Y.: Norton & Co.


2. Fix, J.D. (2005). High-yield neuroanatomy. ( 3rd ed.). Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins.


3. Kolb, B. & Wishaw, I.Q. (2009). Fundamentals of human neuropsychology (6th ed.). N.Y.: W.H. Freedman.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 13-Sep-2012