PSY525 Human Neuropsychology (16)
Abstract| This subject will provide students with an overview of human neuroanatomy and neuropharmacology, and their relation to brain function and normal behaviour. Specifically, theories of brain dysfunction, and cognitive/behavioural deficits will be grounded in theories of brain function and recent research in the cognitive neurosciences. The relationship of brain damage (neuropathology) to behaviour will be examined with particular attention given to traumatic brain disorders, the cortical syndromes, dementia and memory disorders, language and developmental disorders, alcohol related brain damage, and other neurotoxin induced disorders. Course content will also examine recent research and theory concerning neuropsychological processes in the neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., major unipolar depression, schizophrenia). General psychopharmacology will also be a component of this subject. |
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+ Subject Availability Modes and Location
| Session 1 | | Distance* | Bathurst Campus | Session 2 | | Distance* | Bathurst Campus |
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: PSY525
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
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Subject information| Duration | Grading System | School: |
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| Two sessions | HD/FL | School of Psychology |
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Enrolment restrictions| Master of Psychology and Doctor of Psychology students only |
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| Prerequisite(s) |
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| PSY522 or PSY531 |
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Learning OutcomesUpon successful completion of this subject, students should:
* have an understanding of contemporary models of brain function, derived from the fields of cognitive and behavioural neuroscience, behavioural psychopharmacology, neuroanatomy, and medical science
* have an understanding of the processes of neuropathology, and their relation to symptoms and syndromes of brain damage
* have developed specific skills in (1) the assessment of cognitive function, (2) the diagnosis of brain damage, (3) determining probable prognosis, (4) the development of treatment plans, (5) the implementation of treatment interventions, and (6) evaluating treatment progress and outcome
* understand the scientist-practitioner approach so that students not only routinely assess and evaluate their own interventions, but recognise (1) the importance of theory in individual clinical interventions, and (2) their role in contributing to the overall development of neuropsychological theory
* acquire an attitude of accountability to the brain-injured client, their family and workplace, and the community |
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SyllabusThe subject will cover the following topics:
* Basic neuroanatomy
* General structure of the brain and spinal cord
* Sensory and motor systems
* Neuromodulatory systems and neocortical organisation
* Neuropharmacology
* Neurotransmitter and receptor systems in the brain
* Pharmacokinetics
* The major classes of psychotropic drugs and their interactions with receptor systems (desired and side effects)
* CNS depressants
* Anxiolytics
* Stimulants
* Antidepressants
* Neuroleptics
* Antiepileptic
* Drugs of abuse
* Relationships between parmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioural interventions as applied to the treatment of specific problems (e.g., ADHD, schizophrenia, etc)
* Theories of brain function
* Processes of neuropathology, including
* Traumatic injury
* Vascular disease
* CVA
* Neoplasm
* Degenerative diseases
* Neuropsychiatric processes (e.g., depression, schizophrenia)
* Cognitive neuropsychology of major systems
* Language
* Memory
* Sensation and perception
* Developmental issues in neuropsychology
* Brain development
* Disorders in development of brain and spinal cord
* Interactions between development adn neuropathology
* Neuropsychological assessment: General approaches
* Neuropsychological assessment: Specific tests
* Hypothesis testing, treatment planning, implementation adn evaluation
* The neuropsychologist as a member of a medical team
* The neuropsychologist and the law (especially assessment for compensation)
* Methodologies for research in neuropsychology
* Single-case designs
* Group designs |
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Residential School| This subject contains a compulsory 5 day residential school.
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Work Place Learning| This subject contains a Workplace Learning component. Please contact the subject coordinator for further information. |
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The information contained in the 2015 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 01 October 2015. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.
