Students

PSYN811 – Cognitive Neuropsychology

2018 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Jennifer Batchelor
jennifer.batchelor@mq.edu.au
Melanie Porter
melanie.porter@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MClinNeuro or DClinNeuro
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces students to cognitive neuropsychological theory and its application to the assessment and treatment of acquired and developmental disorders of cognition. They are familiarised with cognitive neuropsychological models that represent theories of normal cognitive processing. A diverse range of cognitive domains is covered including spoken language, reading, spelling, attention, memory and belief formation. The unit includes a number of lectures focused on clinical aspects of cognitive neuropsychology, and provides skills in the application of cognitive neuropsychological theories and methods to assessment and treatment in clinical practice.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Describe the key methods and assumptions of cognitive neuropsychology
  • Explore and compare cognitive frameworks across domains: reading, spelling, spoken language, vision, attention, neuropsychiatry, memory, etc.
  • Select appropriate assessment tasks within a particular domain-specific cognitive framework; Integrate testing results to determine next steps for assessment
  • Critically evaluate assessment plans and published case study reports

General Assessment Information

Penalties will be levied for late submission of the written assignment unless the student has sought permission for an extension. The penalty for late submissions for the written assignment is 5%  of the maximum mark for every day late. 

If an extension on your assignment is required for medical or other extenuating circumstances, students may request this in writing: https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/user/login?referer=/account/forms/display/special_consideration/ Supporting documentary evidence must be provided. All requests for extensions must be made prior to the due date for the assignment. If an extension is granted, the approval must be included attached to the assessment submission to avoid any late penalty. 

A copy of the assignment should be kept as proof that the assignment was completed and submitted.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Glossary entries 5% No 5pm 8th June 2018
Written case critique 35% No 5pm 30th April 2018
Final oral examination 60% No Week starting 11th June 2018

Glossary entries

Due: 5pm 8th June 2018
Weighting: 5%

A unit glossary will be developed throughout the semester to aid in your study for the final examination. After each lecture, you should write 3 new/technical terms into the glossary worksheet available on iLearn under the Assessments tab. The completed glossary entries worksheet should be submitted to the unit convenor via email by 08/06/2018. 

 

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe the key methods and assumptions of cognitive neuropsychology
  • Explore and compare cognitive frameworks across domains: reading, spelling, spoken language, vision, attention, neuropsychiatry, memory, etc.

Written case critique

Due: 5pm 30th April 2018
Weighting: 35%

For this written assignment you will select a published cognitive neuropsychology article from a recommended selection and write a case critique and summary. Further details are available on iLearn under the Assessments tab. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explore and compare cognitive frameworks across domains: reading, spelling, spoken language, vision, attention, neuropsychiatry, memory, etc.
  • Critically evaluate assessment plans and published case study reports

Final oral examination

Due: Week starting 11th June 2018
Weighting: 60%

The final examination is an oral exam, conducted one-on-one with the unit convenor. All lecture topics will be covered through questions posed to the student, which will vary in difficulty. You will sign up to individual session times for the oral examination which will be made available in the second half of the semester. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe the key methods and assumptions of cognitive neuropsychology
  • Explore and compare cognitive frameworks across domains: reading, spelling, spoken language, vision, attention, neuropsychiatry, memory, etc.
  • Select appropriate assessment tasks within a particular domain-specific cognitive framework; Integrate testing results to determine next steps for assessment

Delivery and Resources

There is no set textbook for the course, though the book A Cognitive Neuropsychological Approach to Assessment and Intervention in Aphasia: A Clinician's Guide by Whitworth, Webster, & Howard is a good reference. (Available online via the library.) Readings will be recommended for each week- either strongly recommended (key to topics) or optional (tangents, related topics, more information). A list of the readings can be found on iLearn each week.

The main reference will be the iLearn web page, which can be accessed at http://learn.mq.edu.au. It will be updated throughout the semester with lecture notes, readings, etc, so check it regularly. This is also where you will find the unit schedule and readings for each week.

Unit Schedule

Week

Date

Lecture Topic

Lecturer

1

27 Feb

Introduction: What is neuropsychology?

Jasmina Vrankovic

2

06 Mar

Spoken Language Production and the Aphasias

Dr Solene Hameau

3

13 Mar

Reading and the dyslexias I

Jasmina Vrankovic

4

20 Mar

Reading and the dyslexias II

Jasmina Vrankovic

5

27 Mar

Cognitive Neuropsychological Approaches to Rehabilitation I

Prof Lyndsey Nickels

6

03 Apr

Spelling and the Dysgraphias

Jasmina Vrankovic

7

10 Apr

Cognitive Neuropsychological Approaches to Rehabilitation II

Dr Saskia Kohnen

MID-SEMESTER BREAK

MID-SEMESTER BREAK

8

01 May

Assessment Models of Cognitive Disorders

Jasmina Vrankovic

9

08 May

Cognitive Neuropsychological Assessment of Memory 

Prof Greg Savage

10

15 May

Attention and Neglect

Jasmina Vrankovic

11

22 May

Cognitive Neuropsychiatry

Dr Mariia Kaliuzhna

12

29 May

Face and Object Recognition and the Agnosias

Jasmina Vrankovic

13

05 Jun

Intention and Agency and its Deficits

Dr Simmy Poonian

            

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Select appropriate assessment tasks within a particular domain-specific cognitive framework; Integrate testing results to determine next steps for assessment

Assessment task

  • Final oral examination

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Describe the key methods and assumptions of cognitive neuropsychology
  • Explore and compare cognitive frameworks across domains: reading, spelling, spoken language, vision, attention, neuropsychiatry, memory, etc.
  • Select appropriate assessment tasks within a particular domain-specific cognitive framework; Integrate testing results to determine next steps for assessment

Assessment tasks

  • Glossary entries
  • Written case critique
  • Final oral examination

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explore and compare cognitive frameworks across domains: reading, spelling, spoken language, vision, attention, neuropsychiatry, memory, etc.
  • Select appropriate assessment tasks within a particular domain-specific cognitive framework; Integrate testing results to determine next steps for assessment

Assessment tasks

  • Glossary entries
  • Written case critique
  • Final oral examination

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explore and compare cognitive frameworks across domains: reading, spelling, spoken language, vision, attention, neuropsychiatry, memory, etc.
  • Select appropriate assessment tasks within a particular domain-specific cognitive framework; Integrate testing results to determine next steps for assessment
  • Critically evaluate assessment plans and published case study reports

Assessment tasks

  • Written case critique
  • Final oral examination

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Describe the key methods and assumptions of cognitive neuropsychology
  • Critically evaluate assessment plans and published case study reports

Assessment tasks

  • Written case critique
  • Final oral examination