Adult Neuropsychological Disorders

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

108 hours

Enrolment in one of the following Psychology professional training programs, 527CL, 527CN, 080CL, 080CN or MC-PSYCHCS

Completion of APAC approved psychology studies to fourth-year (Honours) level.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements, Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

A year long lecture-based subject focussed on the neuropsychological effects of neurodegeneration, cerebrovascular disease, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, alcohol-related brain damage, psychogenic disorders, multiple sclerosis, brain tumours, and paraneoplastic disorders of the brain. Detailed consideration will be given to issues such as nosology, formal diagnostic criteria, neuropathology and pathogenetic mechanisms, epidemiology, clinical spectrum, psychological co-morbities, and current treatment (where applicable).

Students will gain a professional-level understanding of the major neuropsychological disorders. This will enable them to appreciate cases that are commonly encountered in most placement settings. Students will acquire the ability to evaluate the extent and significance of brain morbidity, gaining an appreciation of the impact of neuropsychological disorders on the individual and community, and the important consultative role of the neuropsychological professional.

End-of-semester written examinations of 2 hours each (50% of total mark).

One assignment in semester 1 of 1500 words (25% of total mark), or smaller pieces of work of equivalent word length.

One assignment in Semester 2 of 1500 words (25% of total mark), or smaller pieces of work of equivalent work length.

Schapira, AHV (ed.). Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience. Philadelphia: Elsevier Mosby, 2007 (General reference).

Specific readings per topic.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Research, through frequent use of library databases.

Analysis and critical thinking, through evaluating the strength of cognate evidence.

Attention to detail, through acquisition of knowledge consistent with professional standards, and differentiation of disorders.

Written communication, through completion of assignments.

Time management and planning, through organising and integrating multiple demands of the subject.