PSY6208 · Introductory placement and case analysis (clinical neuropsychology)

Overview

This unit aims to begin the process of applying theoretical knowledge acquired in the first year of coursework to the clinical setting. The first component is a Case Analysis, which occurs weekly in Year 1 Semester 2. You will observe oral case presentations given by experienced clinicians and other students. You will be exposed to a variety of different presentation styles designed to cater for specific audiences and will learn to evaluate case material in an objective and critical manner. You will participate in discussions of clinical issues and recent developments in the field of Clinical Neuropsychology and will be challenged to remain informed about such developments and issues. You will assess a case and present it to the class. In Semester 1 of Year 2 you will commence your introductory placement. It is expected that the focus of the introductory placement will be on gaining confidence and competence in core clinical areas such as assessment skills (eg. Test selection, administration, interpretation), case formulation, and written/oral communication of assessment findings. You will begin to gain an appreciation of the role of a neuropsychologist in professional practice, how it interacts with other staff in the setting, and the service it provides to the individual and the wider community.

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.

These hurdles are competency hurdles that relate to the achievement of professional competencies. 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

Learning outcomes

1. Become familiar with the format of oral presentations suitable for a number of different audiences;
2. Become able to participate confidently in case discussions;
3. An improved ability to formulate hypotheses, select appropriate tests, interpret findings, integrate findings to respond to referral questions and formulate a management plan for a variety of neuropsychological referrals;
4. Become more informed about current issues in the field of clinical neuropsychology;
5. Developed sufficient rapport with staff members to seek assistance when it is required during later years of the course;
6. Acquired an understanding of the context of the delivery of the service and the particular function it serves to the individual and the community at large;
7. Developed an appreciation of the competing demands on service delivery and the range of issues which impact on service delivery;
8. Become proficient in establishing rapport with patients, administering and scoring the commonly used intellectual, diagnostic and personality tests, integrating the results and providing appropriate oral and written reports;
9. Developed an understanding of the functioning of a multi-disciplinary team and the role of its various members;
10. Build knowledge and introductory skills in ethics, legal and professional issues relevant to clinical practice.

Workload

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