PSY3180 - Human neuropsychology: Developmental and neurodegenerative disorders

Leader(s): Associate Professor Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis & Dr Dianne Sheppard

Offered

Clayton First semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit aims to familiarize students with the assumptions and principles upon which the hypotheses about brain-behaviour relationships are based in the discipline of neuropsychology. A considerable emphasis is also placed on providing a thorough understanding of underlying brain pathology in a range of neurodevelopmental (eg autism and Tourette's syndrome) and neurodegenerative disorders (eg Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases), as well as their neuropsychological consequences. Both developmental and neurodegenerative disorders will be covered in terms of their prevalence, neuropsychological manifestations, neuropathology, as well as assessment techniques and potential interventions

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will have:

1. Acquired an advanced understanding of the clinical and experimental approaches to the study of neuropsychology

2. A knowledge of the brain-behaviour relationship in neurologically normal and abnormal circumstances

3. A knowledge of the consequences of brain dysfunction (neurotransmitter, structural and/or functional anomalies) resulting from neurodegenerative disease and neurodevelopmental disorders

4. A knowledge of perceptual, attentional, motor, cognitive and emotional dysfunction that may arise as a consequence of the neuropathology underlying neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders

5. Knowledge of the underlying neuropathological consequences of neurodevelopment disorders, such as Asperger's syndrome, autism, dyslexia, Tourette's syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder

6. Knowledge of the normal aging process as well as the underlying neuropathological consequences of degenerative disorders, such as occurs with Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease

7. Acquired skills necessary to undertake extensive literature searches to research particular topics, as well as to participate in short presentations, in seminars, to peers and academics of more than one aspect of human neuropsychology

Assessment

End-of-semester examination: 50%
Group 'case study' presentation: 15%
Weekly quizzes (associated with the presentations): 10%
2,500 word written essay: 25%
Hurdle requirement: 75% lab attendance

Prerequisites

PSY2031

Co-requisites

PSY2042

Prohibitions

PSY3182