Introduction to Clinical Neuropsychology

elective courses

The seminar is part of the specialization program in Clinical Psychology.

The main aim of the seminar is to familiarize students with the discipline of neuropsychology as part of clinical psychology. Students will acquire knowledge on neuropsychology as a scientific discipline, brain functional organization and neuropsychological disorders. They become familiar with the roles of a clinical neuropsychologist.

Students will learn about neuropsychology as a scientific discipline and its history including division into Neuropsychology ) 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0. Then they will deepen their knowledge about the functional organization of the brain, get acquainted with the main theories on the brain and behaviour relationships as well as the progress in knowledge on complex mechanisms of neurobehavioral disorders. The Research Domain Criteria established by NIH will be used to discuss current understanding of mental processes, their disorders and levels of analysis. Participants will also learn about a broad spectrum of conditions with neuropsychological impairment requiring neuropsychological diagnosis and intervention. They will also get acquainted with typical cognitive, emotional and behavioral brain dysfunctions and systems of their classification. Cases with classic neurocognitive disorders (such as: aphasia, apraxia, agnosia, amnesia, etc.) will be presented on video materials. Roles for clinical neuropsychologist as well as specific ethical problems in clinical neuropsychology will be discussed. The issues presented in class and readings will be complementary.