PSY6163 · Neuropsychological assessment

Overview

Building on your foundational knowledge of brain–behaviour relationships and general psychological assessment skills, this unit develops core competencies in adult clinical neuropsychological assessment. You will be trained in the use of a comprehensive range of neuropsychological assessment tools and guided in how to flexibly apply assessment approaches in line with your professional role and the individual needs of each client. You will learn to integrate assessment findings to develop coherent neuropsychological formulations that explain clients’ cognitive and behavioural difficulties, inform diagnosis, and guide intervention planning and ongoing management. Throughout the unit, emphasis is placed on maintaining therapeutic relationships during the assessment process and on effectively communicating assessment findings to clients and other relevant stakeholders through various means. Training is delivered through a blended learning approach. Asynchronous activities support initial knowledge development, followed by skill‑based learning in live seminars and post‑seminar practice activities. Case‑based learning is prioritised across teaching and assessment tasks to support competency development, and reflective practice activities are incorporated to strengthen your critical thinking skills and emerging professional identity.

Areas of study: Psychology

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Evaluate clinical referrals and tailor assessment approaches most appropriate to neuropsychologist’s role and client presentation, across the lifespan and in culturally responsive ways.
2. Use evidence-based assessment methods, such as file review, observational/interviewing techniques and formal psychometric tools to flexibly and effectively evaluate client neuropsychological status.
3. Administer and interpret neuropsychological measures, considering psychometric principles, associated cognitive-emotional-behavioural processes, and contextual factors.
4. Consider functional implications of neuropsychological impairments as they relate to participation in meaningful daily activities and life roles.
5. Through integration of assessment results, develop tailored biopsychosocial formulations that effectively explain client neuropsychological status, inform diagnosis and guide ongoing management/rehabilitation.
6. Appraise and manage limitations of neuropsychological assessments in diverse and vulnerable populations through use of critical evaluation and reflective practice.
7. Communicate verbal and written feedback and recommendations to key stakeholders (e.g., clients, families, treating clinicians) adapted to individual needs, and aligned with evidence-based practices.

Workload

Total per week = 4 hours 1 hour of preparatory “Own-time” teacher directed study. 2 hours of “Real-time” live seminar. 1 hour of follow up “Wrap-up” teacher directed study. One additional 4-hour workshop on clinical interviewing will be scheduled within the first 4 weeks of semester. It is expected that trainees will independently practice administration, scoring and interpretation of core psychometric tests in preparation of their first clinical placement. Resources and practical guidance to support this process will be provided throughout the semester.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.