Neuropsychology for Art Therapists

Study Course Description

Course Description Statuss:Approved

Course Description Version:6.00

Study Course Accepted:05.07.2024 13:55:20

Study Course Information
Course Code:		VPUPK_307		LQF level:		Level 7
Credit Points:		2.00		ECTS:		3.00
Branch of Science:		Psychology; General Psychology		Target Audience:		Psychology
Study Course Supervisor
Course Supervisor:		Aija Ozola
Study Course Implementer
Structural Unit:		Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
The Head of Structural Unit:
Contacts:		Riga, 5 J. Asara Street, vppkrsu[pnkts]lv, +37167061587
Study Course Planning
Full-Time - Semester No.1
Lectures (count)		8	Lecture Length (academic hours)		2	Total Contact Hours of Lectures		16
Classes (count)		4	Class Length (academic hours)		2	Total Contact Hours of Classes		8
Total Contact Hours								24
Study course description
Preliminary Knowledge:
Anatomy, cognitive psychology, psychophysiology, biological bases of psyche.
Objective:
To develop the knowledge on the basic principles of neuropsychology and its future perspectives; introduce to terminology used in neuropsychology research, educate on methods and process of neuropsychological evaluation, as well as stimulate overall understanding of the branch of neuropsychology.
Topic Layout (Full-Time)
No.	Topic			Type of Implementation		Number	Venue
1	History of and new perspectives in neuropsychology. Structure and functions of nervous system. Functional asymmetry of brain.			Lectures		2.00	auditorium
2	Brain development and ageing brain. Prenatal period and its significance in later development. Normal cognitive ageing. Cognitive maintenance in ageing: nutrition, physical activity, cognitive reserve.			Lectures		2.00	auditorium
3	Higher cognitive processes and their disorders: attention and memory.			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
				Classes		1.00	auditorium
4	Higher cognitive processes and their disorders: language and reasoning.			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
				Classes		1.00	auditorium
5	Visuo-spatial perception. Agnosia and apraxia.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
6	Emocions and social brain.			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
7	Cognitive processes and disorders. Seminary.			Classes		2.00	auditorium
Assessment
Unaided Work:
1) Independent reading of compulsory and recommended literature; 2) Case studies' analysis; 3) Analysis of one concept in neuropsychology; 4) Completing the course feedback questionnaire.
Assessment Criteria:
1) Test: explain in writing the localisation of the higher psychic functions and the manifestations of the higher psychic function disorders, brain development and age-related brain changes (30%). 2) Case studies (30%) Three case studies identifying cognitive symptoms and their corresponding brain structures. 8 – 10 points – correct answers to all three cases are given; 4 – 7 points – partially correct answers are given or answers need significant clarifications; 1 – 3 points – no full case analysis has been performed. 3) Analysis of one myth in neuropsychology. (40%) Choose and analyze one of the suggested concepts in neuropsychology, defining the concept, introducing the history of the concept, main authors and analyzing the concept within the framework of a provided case study. 8 – 10 points – correct analysis was performed, the student relied only on scientific sources. 4 – 7 points – the performed analysis is incomplete, the student has relied on pseudo-scientific sources. 1 – 3 points – the performed analysis is incomplete, concept is not described. According to RSU Study Regulations I 3.9. point, class attendance is mandatory and is recorded. At the end of each lesson, the student additionally submits a worksheet filled in according to the criteria indicated in the e-environment and, if the criteria are met, receives the grade "passed"
Final Examination (Full-Time):		Exam
Final Examination (Part-Time):
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:		Students describe and characterise the localisation of the higher mental functions and the manifestations of the higher mental function disorders. Characterise the basic principles of neuropsychological research and rehabilitation.
Skills:		Students aggregate the scientific information about the neuropsychology cognitions, neuropsychological syndromes and the localisation of higher mental functions, are able to relate neuropsychological syndrom and its symptoms with the relevant brain localisation. Are able to develop a plan for further professional activities, based on client's needs and problems.
Competencies:		By applying the acquired knowledge about neuropsychology, students explain the localisation of mental functions and the manifestations of the higher mental function disorders, understand client's needs and problems and develop a coordinated psychological help plan.
Bibliography
No.	Reference
Required Reading
1	Cacioppo, J. T., Freberg, L., & Cacioppo, S. (2021). Discovering psychology: The science of mind. Boston: Cengage learning.
2	Andrewes, D. (2015). Neuropsychology: From theory to practice. London: Routledge
3	Šneidere, K. (2019) Psiholoģiskā palīdzība neirorehabilitācijā. No K. Mārtinsone un V. Sudraba. (red.), Veselības psiholoģija. Teorijas un prakses starpdisciplināra perspektīva (280. - 291.lpp.). Rīga: RSU izdevniecība.
Additional Reading
1	Crossman, A. R. & Neary, D. (2020). Neuroanatomy. An illustrated colour text. China: Elsevier.
2	Goldstein, L. H., McNeil, J. E. (Eds) (2015). Clinical neuropsychology. A practical guide to assessment and management for clinicians (2nd edition).UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
3	Horton, A. M., & Wedding, D. (Eds) (2008). The neuropsychology handbook (3 Ed). New York: Springer Publishing company. eBook Academic Collection (EBSCOhost)
4	Stern, Y. (2014). Cognitive reserve. Theory and applications. Sulfolk, UK: Taylor&Francis.
5	Apinis, P. (1998). Cilvēks. Anatomija, fizioloģija, patoloģijas pamati. Rīga: NM apgāds.
6	Tuokko, H. A., & Smart, C. M. (2018). Neuropsychology of cognitive decline: A developmental approach to assessment and intervention. New York: Guilford Publications.
7	Voita, D. (2015). Bioloģija un uzvedība. No Mārtinsone, K. & Miltuze, A. (red.). Psiholoģija 1. sēj. Pamatjautājumi – teorijas un pētījumi. (65 – 105), Rīga, Zvaigzne ABC.
Other Information Sources
1	Cullen, B, & Evans, J.J. (2014). Neuropsychology of memory function: a guide for clinicians. Social Care & Neurodisability, 5 (2), 91 – 101.
2	Cooper, R.P., & Shallice, T. (2011). The roles of functional neuroimaging and cognitive neuropsychology in the development of cognitive theory: A reply to Coltheart. Cognitive Neuropsychology, 28 (6), 403 – 413.