There are two main streams in this module: Part I - Neuropsychology. The module will place a particular emphasis on understanding the effects of brain activity on cognitive and social aspects of human behaviour (and vice-versa). In addition, the module will address the effects of brain injury and neurological impairments with a view to understand models of normal cognitive and social functioning. Video material will be used to illustrate clinical cases when available. Part II – Neuro-rehabilitation. The module will introduce students to modern techniques for the diagnosis of neurological disorders and their neuropsychiatric implications. Interventions for the treatment and management of neurological disorders will be evaluated. Students' effort and engagement will be essential for a successful and rewarding experience. This will include active participation in lectures and the reading of the indicated material.
The module will be delivered through 22 weekly three-hour lectures, each including a keynote and component. The keynote first session of each lecture is structured to cover key aspects of cognition and rehabilitation and to provide a structure for the students' reading. Students will be expected to take an active learning approach and to participate in the second interactive hour of each lecture. This interactive component will include critical evaluation of peer-reviewed journal articles, development of research material and evaluation of intervention programs for brain injured patients.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Keynote and interactive lectures | 66 |
| Guided independent study | Independent Study | 234 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The module will have two assessments.
1. a 1500 word reflective essay
2. a final year exam
This will provide a suitable forum for students to demonstrate breadth and depth of knowledge over the topics of the two semesters. Increasing the variety of assessment from simply examination will enhance the learning experience of students.
Formative assessment: journal article discussion, together with discussion and feedback during interactive lectures, will help prepare students for this exam. Peer assessed formative student presentations of rehabilitation topics and weekly MCQs, posted on Studyspace to allow students to check learning, will provide further preparation for the exam at the end of the second semester.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Critically evaluate key issues related to the main theoretical and practical approaches to Neuropsychology | Formatively through lecture activities and summatively through reflective essay |
| Discuss the major concepts of modularity and dissociations of function and illustrate the relationship of theories of normal and impaired brain function | Formatively through lecture activities and summatively through reflective essay |
| Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the principles of neuropsychological assessment | Formatively through lecture activities and summatively through exam |
| Critically evaluate key strategies for cognitive rehabilitation and neuro-rehabilitation | Formatively through lecture activities and summatively through exam |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| CWK | Coursework | 40 |
| EXWR | Examination | 60 |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module
Possible textbooks
Banich, M. T. & Compton, R. J. Cognitive Neuroscience. Wadsworth.
Kolb, B. & Whishaw, I.Q. Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology. New York: W.H.Freeman & Co.
Halligan,P.W.& Wade D.T. (2005) The Effectiveness of Rehabilitation for Cognitive Deficits. Oxford:Oxford University Press
Examples of supplementary reading
Gazzaniga M.S. (2002). Cognitive Neuroscience. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
Ward, J. (2006). The Student's Guide to Cognitive Neuroscience. Hove: Psychology Press.
William H Calvin, & George A. Ojemann. (1994) Conversations with Neil's Brain: The Neural Nature of Thought & Language. Retrieve it free from: http://www.williamcalvin.com/bk7/bk7.htm
Ramachandran, V.S. (2011). The Tell-Tale Brain: Unlocking the Mystery of Human Nature. William Heinemann.
EYE, BRAIN AND VISION
Online free book by Hubel and Wiesel: http://hubel.med.harvard.edu/
Zorrowitz,R., & Brainin, M.(2011) Advances in brain recovery and rehabilitation, Stroke,42, 294-7
Elbaum,J., & Benson, D. (2007) Acquired Brain Injury: An Integrative Neuro-Rehabilitation Approach. New York: Springer