Unit information: Applied Neuropsychology in 2015/16

Unit name	Applied Neuropsychology
Unit code	PSYCM0017
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Professor. Kit Pleydell-Pearce
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Psychological Science
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This Unit provides students with an opportunity to partake in seminars provided by active clinicians who work in an NHS Neuropsychology Department. The Unit will cover a range of neuropsychological syndromes and will focus upon neuropsychological assessment procedures. In addition, the unit will examine the manner in which Neuropsychologists must interact with other medical departments (e.g. neurosurgery, rehabilitation and radiography departments). While the unit has an applied component, seminars will also reinforce knowledge in functional neuroanatomy and theories of cerebral function.

Intended Learning Outcomes

The aim of the unit is to provide a thorough grounding in applied Clinical Neuropsychology. Students will learn how knowledge of neuropsychological theory, functional neuroanatomy and technical approaches to studying the brain are used within a medical context. In addition, the Unit will provide insights into clinical practice, and will be valuable for all who wish to pursue a clinical career, or who wish to pursue research that involves interaction with patients.

Teaching Information

Teaching will involve seminars that will be led by research-active and clinically active members of Frenchay Hospital Department of Neuropsychology (although the course coordinator is a member of the School of Experimental Psychology). In addition to lecturer-led tuition, students are expected to take turns in providing weekly summaries of relevant background reading, providing a starting point for structured discussion.

Assessment Information

Coursework essay which requires students to provide evidence of critical understanding of a topic in applied neuropsychology (100%)

Reading and References

• Lezak, M. (1995). Neuropsychological Assessment. Oxford University Press.

• Kolb, B. and Wishaw, I.Q. (2003). Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology. Worth Publishers, New York (5th Edition).

• Feinberg, T. E. & Farah, M. J., editors (2003). Behavioural Neurology and Neuropsychology. New York: McGraw-Hill (Second Edition).

• Richards, D., Clark, T. & Clarke, C. (2007). The Human Brain and its disorders. Oxford University Press.

• White, C. Cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic medical problems (2001). Wiley

• Trevor Powell (2004). Head Injury: A practical guide.

• Andrewes, D. (2002) Neuropsychology: From theory to practice. Psychology Press, Taylor & Francis.

• Vanderploeg, R.D. (Ed.). (2000) Clinician's guide to neuropsychological assesment. Oxford University Press.