Spring 2019 - PSYC 480 D100

Advanced Topics in Biological Psychology (4)

Advanced Clinical Neuropsychology

Class Number: 8071

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Tue, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Kristina Gicas
  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201, 210, 280, 60 units, and a CGPA of 3.0. Other prerequisites vary by topic offering.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Course can be repeated for credit. Students may not take this course for further credit if similar topics are covered. See Psychology department website for course description.

COURSE DETAILS:

This is a seminar-style course that provides an advanced introduction to the study of brain-behaviour relationships. The overarching objective of this course is to provide students with a survey of major clinical neuropsychological disorders that impact attention, memory, language, executive functions, and motor functions. Students can expect to learn: i) how disrupted neuroanatomy and neurophysiology relate to specific patterns of cognitive, emotional, and other behavioural features; ii) basic approaches and issues related to evaluation of various neuropsychological disorders; iii) neuropsychological approaches to treatment of major disorders; and iv) current issues and trends in the broader field of clinical neuropsychology. Readings for this course will be drawn from various sources and combine classical neuropsychological theories with cutting-edge research in clinical neuroscience.

Grading

NOTES:

Prerequisites
Students should have completed: PSYC 201, 210, 221, 280, (382 or 387); 60 units; and have a CGPA of 3.0. It is desirable for students to have had prior experience participating in seminar-style classes that involve a heavy discussion-based component. Undergraduates who do not meet these prerequisites but who have equivalent education/training may seek permission from the instructor to join the course.

REQUIREMENTS:

Weekly online discussion questions – 10%

Students will be expected to complete all assigned weekly readings and post a minimum of two discussion questions on Canvas by 5pm the evening prior to each scheduled class. Questions will be evaluated on the basis of whether they are thought provoking and show a critical appraisal of the readings. It is not sufficient to merely post questions that reiterate points that are presented in the readings. Students are strongly encouraged to review the questions posted by their peers prior to coming to class and be prepared to actively engage in discussion related to these.


Weekly attendance and in-class participation – 10%

Students will be expected to complete all assigned weekly readings and post a minimum of two discussion questions on Canvas by 5pm the evening prior to each scheduled class. Questions will be evaluated on the basis of whether they are thought provoking and show a critical appraisal of the readings. It is not sufficient to merely post questions that reiterate points that are presented in the readings. Students are strongly encouraged to

review the questions posted by their peers prior to coming to class and be prepared to actively engage in discussion related to these.

“Hot topics” class presentation – 40%

As a means to learn about the latest trends within the global field of clinical neuropsychology, students will be required to present on a current “hot topic” within the field and subsequently lead a class discussion around this for a maximum of up to 1 hour. There is no specific format for this presentation and students are encouraged to be creative in their approach and in selection of their topics. Examples of sources for “hot topics” that can be used to facilitate the presentation include podcasts (e.g., Invisibilia, Hidden Brain, Radiolab etc.); recent news or movie video clips; postings in Neuroscience News; Special Issue Statements on websites like the Canadian or American Psychological Associations, the International Neuropsychological Society, and the National Academy of Neuropsychology. Students can consider a broad range of topics such as ethical issues in clinical neuropsychology, the role of computerized testing or neuroimaging, cultural considerations, and novel diagnostic or therapeutic advancements for neuropsychological disorders. Students will need to confirm their topics with the instructor in advance. The presentation schedule will be determined on the first day of class and dates will be distributed throughout the latter half of the course.


Term paper – 40%

Students will be required to submit a term paper with a maximum of 10 pages on a clinical neuropsychological disorder that was either minimally or not at all covered in class. The paper should offer a succinct review of the etiology, neuropathological and neurocognitive features, outcomes, and treatment of the disorder, and provide good integration of the most recent empirical literature in this area. Students will need to confirm their topics with the instructor in advance.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

* The Little Black Book of Neuropsychology: A Syndrome-Based Approach (2011). M. R. Schoenberg & J. G. Scott. Full text available online through SFU library.

* Additional selected readings available online through SFU library.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS