PSY6165 · Neuropsychological conditions

Overview

This unit is designed to support your understanding and learning of neuropsychological syndromes, and to begin to develop relevant core competencies. The purpose of this unit is to build an understanding of common neuropsychological syndromes that can be drawn on in the clinical world. This will include the neuropathology, presentation, and neuropsychological profile of various syndromes, in addition to the specific approach to neuropsychological assessment. Relevant psychosocial considerations and treatment approaches will also be covered. Although core underpinnings remain foundational across all areas of Neuropsychology, a varied knowledge base, outlook and skill set is also required in areas of specialty. For this reason, classes within this unit will be delivered by guest lecturers who are experts in their field. Neuropsychological syndromes covered include: traumatic brain injury, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, neuropsychiatric disorders, cerebrovascular disorders, HIV-related disorders, neoplasms, drug and alcohol-related disorders, dementias, and epilepsy.

Offerings

Assessment

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

In order to pass this competency hurdle, you must achieve the required standard as defined in Moodle. Where the hurdle has been completed and failed you will be permitted one (1) additional attempt.

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. Identify and discuss the neuropathology, including diagnosis, symptomatology, and current neuroclinical investigations, as well as the known factors and theories related to the aetiology, progression, and recovery of both systemic and acquired neuropsychological syndromes.
2. Devise comprehensive assessment plans by applying neuropsychological syndrome-specific knowledge and incorporating relevant international taxonomies, history taking, case review, key presentation features, and formal testing.
3. Integrate neuropsychological syndrome-specific knowledge, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based decision-making to formulate neuropsychological cases, improving the accuracy of differential diagnosis related to these conditions.
4. Develop tailored recommendations by applying neuropsychological syndrome-specific knowledge and evidence-based decision-making strategies.
5. Demonstrate awareness of clinical neuropsychologists’ roles, and how these vary across neuropsychological syndromes, settings and assessment/intervention contexts.

Workload

2-hour class per week (contact hours) plus 1-2 hours of associated outside of class work per week. Up to 12 hours for assessment tasks across the semester is estimated.

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