.
Neuropsychology
Study Course Description
Course Description Statuss:Approved
Course Description Version:2.00
Study Course Accepted:02.02.2024 12:25:29
| Study Course Information | |||||||||
| Course Code: | KF_078 | LQF level: | Level 6 | ||||||
| Credit Points: | 2.00 | ECTS: | 3.00 | ||||||
| Branch of Science: | Psychology; General Psychology | Target Audience: | Psychology | ||||||
| Study Course Supervisor | |||||||||
| Course Supervisor: | Agnese Ušacka | ||||||||
| Study Course Implementer | |||||||||
| Structural Unit: | Faculty of Social Sciences | ||||||||
| The Head of Structural Unit: | |||||||||
| Contacts: | Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf rsu[pnkts]lv | ||||||||
| Study Course Planning | |||||||||
| Full-Time - Semester No.1 | |||||||||
| Lectures (count) | 10 | Lecture Length (academic hours) | 2 | Total Contact Hours of Lectures | 20 | ||||
| Classes (count) | 6 | Class Length (academic hours) | 2 | Total Contact Hours of Classes | 12 | ||||
| Total Contact Hours | 32 | ||||||||
| Part-Time - Semester No.1 | |||||||||
| Lectures (count) | 6 | Lecture Length (academic hours) | 2 | Total Contact Hours of Lectures | 12 | ||||
| Classes (count) | 3 | Class Length (academic hours) | 2 | Total Contact Hours of Classes | 6 | ||||
| Total Contact Hours | 18 | ||||||||
| Study course description | |||||||||
| Preliminary Knowledge: | Anatomy, psychophysiology, biological bases of psyche, basic principles of psychological assessment. | ||||||||
| 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 | 2.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 4 | Higher cognitive processes and their disorders: language and reasoning. | Lectures | 2.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 5 | Visuo-spatial perception. Agnosia and apraxia. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 6 | Fundamentals of neuropsychological assessment and neuropsychological rehabilitation. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 7 | Cognitive processes and their disorders: seminar. | Classes | 6.00 | auditorium | |||||
| Topic Layout (Part-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 | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 3 | Higher cognitive processes and their disorders: attention and memory. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 4 | Higher cognitive processes and their disorders: language and reasoning. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 5 | Visuo-spatial perception. Agnosia and apraxia. | Lectures | 0.50 | auditorium | |||||
| 6 | Fundamentals of neuropsychological assessment and neuropsychological rehabilitation. | Lectures | 0.50 | auditorium | |||||
| 7 | Cognitive processes and their disorders: seminar. | Classes | 3.00 | auditorium | |||||
| Assessment | |||||||||
| Unaided Work: | 1) Independent reading of compulsory and recommended literature; 2) Case studies' analysis; 3) Analysis of one concept/pathology 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 (20%) 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 concept/pathology in neuropsychology. (45%) In groups (3 students) analyse one chosen concept or pathology considered in neuropsychology, and presents: the main authors, theoretical background, brain regions, cognitive functions, treatment/rehabilitation approaches, the role of psychologist. The analysis should be presented in groups (5 min). 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, disorders are not described. 4) Analysis of one conference presentation from RSU Research Week on the topic of Neuropsychology, identifying: the aim of the study, main frameworks and publishing three main individual understandings. (5%). According to the RSU Study Reglament I, attendance to seminaries is compulsory and will be registered. | ||||||||
| Final Examination (Full-Time): | Exam | ||||||||
| Final Examination (Part-Time): | Exam | ||||||||
| 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 syndrome 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 | Andrewes, D. (2015). Neuropsychology: From theory to practice. Psychology Press. | ||||||||
| 2 | Cacioppo, J. T., Freberg, L., & Cacioppo, S. (2021). Discovering psychology: The science of mind. Cengage learning. | ||||||||
| Additional Reading | |||||||||
| 1 | Eglīte, K. (2020). Anatomija. 2. daļa. LU Akadēmiskais apgāds. | ||||||||
| 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 | Littrell, J. (2015). Neuroscience for psychologists and other mental health professionals: Promoting well-being and treating mental illness. Springer Publishing Company. | ||||||||
| 4 | Tuokko, H. A., & Smart, C. M. (2018). Neuropsychology of cognitive decline: A developmental approach to assessment and intervention. Guilford Publications. | ||||||||
| 5 | Voita, D. (2015). Bioloģija un uzvedība. No Mārtinsone, K. & Miltuze, A. (red.). Psiholoģija 1. Pamatjautājumi – teorijas un pētījumi. (65 – 105). 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. | ||||||||
