Introduction to Clinical Neuropsychology

The seminar is a part of Clinical Psychology Specialization program. The

mail goal of this seminar is to familiarize students with the discipline of

clinical neuropsychology.

The main purpose of this seminar is to present the knowledge on clinical

applications of brain – behaviour relationships as well as to familiarize the

students with the roles of clinical neuropsychologist. The goal of the

seminar is also to help the students to define and develop their on

interests in that field. The course participants will learn about the history

of neuropsychology, the main theories on the brain – behaviour

relationships, the big progress in understanding these relationships, and

the clinical and experimental methods of investigation in

neuropsychology and neurosciences. The problem of growing number of

different clinical populations, involving patients across the lifespan,

requiring neuropsychological evaluation and intervention will be

discussed. Cognitive, emotional and behavioral dysfunctions in brain

damaged patients will be described in the context of brain structure and

network organization. Available cases with typical neuropsychological

disorders (such as: aphasia, apraxia, agnosia, amnesia, etc.) will be

presented on video materials. Ethical problems in the work of clinical

neuropsychologist will also be discussed.

Literature

Pre-test 1.

D. Darby, K. Walsh (2005). Walsh’s Neuropsychology. A Clinical Approach

5th edition (2005). Chapter 1. (pp. 1-31).

G. Beaumont (2008) Introduction to Neuropsychology 2nd edition. (2008).

Chapters 1, 2. (pp. 3-41).

Pre-test 2.

D. Darby, K. Walsh (2005). Walsh’s Neuropsychology. A Clinical Approach

5th edition (2005). Chapters 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (65-307).

Pre-test 3.

S. Laureys & G. Tononi (2009). The Neurology of Consciousness. Cognitive

Neuroscience and Neuropathology. Amsterdam: Elsevier. Chapter 3.

Functional Neuroimaging (31-42). Chapter 18. Neuroethics and Disorders

of Consciousness: A Pragmatic Approach to Neuropalliative Care (234-

244).

Additional literature:

• Sporns O. Tononi G., Edelman G.M. (2000). Connectivity and

complexity: the relationship between neuroanatomy and brain

dynamics. Neural Networks, 13, 909-922.

• Azmita E.C. (2007). Cajal and brain plasticity: Insigts relevant to

emerging concepts of mind. Brain Research Reviews, 55, 595-405.

• Berntson, G., Cacioppo, (2009)(Eds) Handbook of neuroscience for the

behavioral sciences. New Jersey, John Wiley & Sons (vol. I & II).

• Gazzaniga, Michael S.; Ivry, Richard B.; Mangun, George R. (2009).

Cognitive Neuroscience: The Biology of the Mind (3rd ed.). New York:

W.W. Norton

• Gazzaniga, Michael S. (2011). Who's in charge? Free will and the

science of the brain. New York, NY: HarperCollins.

The students will systematize and extend their knowledge on the brain

and behaviour theories and methods of investigation. They will

understand the place of clinical neuropsychology in the interdisciplinary

area of brain - behavior study. They will learn about the roles of clinical

neuropsychologist. They will know the main types of neuropsychological

disorders, the areas of cognitive, emotional and behavioral brain

dysfunctions in different clinical populations as well as the basic

assumptions of diagnosis and intervention. They will be aware of ethical

problems of working with brain dysfunctional patients in clinical and

research settings. They will get in-depth knowledge on a specific issue in

clinical neuropsychology individually selected by each student participant.

Assesment

Participation in the course, passing 3 short pre-lecture tests based on the

on knowledge from previous courses (eg.: Biological Basis of Behavior)

and literature given by the instructor, an essay on the selected area/s of

psychological studies where knowledge on the brain and mind

relationships is required.

• Course participation 20% of the final grade

• Three short pre-lecture tests 40% of the final grade

• Essay on selected topic 40% of the final grade

The course participation grade will include the evaluation of active and

meaningful participation in the course: reading the assigned literature,

participation in discussion, creating an atmosphere where everyone can

freely present their opinions. Half of the participation grade will come

from the instructor, the other half will come from the other students

Attendance rules

No more than 2 unexcused absences permitted, additional absences only

with formal excuse, however no more than 4 absences in total permitted