Students

PSYN8902 – Clinical Neuropsychology Practical Placement II

2023 – Session 1, In person-placement, On location

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Vincent Oxenham
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MClinNeuro and (PSYN840 or PSYN8840) and (PSYN855 or PSYN8855) and (PSYN853 or PSYN8853 or PSYG8001)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit enables students to further develop the skills acquired in PSYN8849. The unit with an overall workload of approximately 250 hours provides students with supervised practical experience in conducting neuropsychological assessments including case formulation, interviewing, testing, scoring, test interpretation, report writing and (where appropriate) verbal feedback. Students will develop their knowledge of relevant clinical conditions, and the advantages and disadvantages of particular assessment procedures. Skills in case formulation, hypothesis generation and the interpretation of test results will be developed. Report writing skills will be refined, with students initially working with close supervision, but gradually developing more independence. Students are required to complete at least a thousand hours across all placements in the program to meet accreditation requirements.

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:

  • ULO1: Apply neuropsychological knowledge and scholarly understanding to determine client needs and design and implement evidence based interventions.
  • ULO2: Communicate effectively across a wide range of client groups, colleagues and other professionals, using a variety of formats, taking into account developmental and cultural considerations
  • ULO3: Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative frameworks relevant to clinical neuropsychologists and undertake practice according to professional standards and the Psychology Board of Australia's code of ethics.
  • ULO4: Demonstrate the entry level capabilities required of practising clinical neuropsychologists, includingthe professional and personal skills for assessing continuous development needs.

General Assessment Information

Special Consideration

If you are unable to complete an assessment task on or by the specified date due to circumstances that are unexpected, unavoidable, significantly disruptive and beyond your control, you may apply for special consideration in accordance with the special consideration policy. Applications for special consideration must be supported by appropriate evidence and submitted via ask.mq.edu.au.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Weekly Supervision (WIL) 30% Yes Throughout the placement
Mid-placement review (MPR) 30% Yes Mid-point of placement
Case log book 10% Yes End of placement
End of placement review (EPR) 30% Yes End of placement

Weekly Supervision (WIL)

Assessment Type 1: Work-integrated task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Throughout the placement
Weighting: 30%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

Students participate in case management and intervention under close supervision of field supervisors appointed as Macquarie University Adjunct Fellows. Students will be assessed on formative assessment and testing skills; professional conduct; self-reflection via log book; ethics and communication skills including professional report writing. At the end of placement, a declaration form confirming hours is also required.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply neuropsychological knowledge and scholarly understanding to determine client needs and design and implement evidence based interventions.
  • Communicate effectively across a wide range of client groups, colleagues and other professionals, using a variety of formats, taking into account developmental and cultural considerations
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative frameworks relevant to clinical neuropsychologists and undertake practice according to professional standards and the Psychology Board of Australia's code of ethics.
  • Demonstrate the entry level capabilities required of practising clinical neuropsychologists, includingthe professional and personal skills for assessing continuous development needs.

Mid-placement review (MPR)

Assessment Type 1: Work-integrated task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 1 hours
Due: Mid-point of placement
Weighting: 30%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

This is a mid-placement assessment of competency, conducted In the placement setting with the supervisor using an online tool. Feedback is on developing competency to a Pass level. An average score of at least 4 out of 10 in at least 3 of the overall skill domains (i.e. assessment skills, clinical skills, report writing and professional skills) is required to pass. A score below this will result in the unit being failed.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply neuropsychological knowledge and scholarly understanding to determine client needs and design and implement evidence based interventions.
  • Communicate effectively across a wide range of client groups, colleagues and other professionals, using a variety of formats, taking into account developmental and cultural considerations
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative frameworks relevant to clinical neuropsychologists and undertake practice according to professional standards and the Psychology Board of Australia's code of ethics.
  • Demonstrate the entry level capabilities required of practising clinical neuropsychologists, includingthe professional and personal skills for assessing continuous development needs.

Case log book

Assessment Type 1: Log book
Indicative Time on Task 2: 7 hours
Due: End of placement
Weighting: 10%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

At the completion of 12-14 cases, these must be compiled into a log book and presented to the Placement Coordinator.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply neuropsychological knowledge and scholarly understanding to determine client needs and design and implement evidence based interventions.
  • Communicate effectively across a wide range of client groups, colleagues and other professionals, using a variety of formats, taking into account developmental and cultural considerations
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative frameworks relevant to clinical neuropsychologists and undertake practice according to professional standards and the Psychology Board of Australia's code of ethics.
  • Demonstrate the entry level capabilities required of practising clinical neuropsychologists, includingthe professional and personal skills for assessing continuous development needs.

End of placement review (EPR)

Assessment Type 1: Work-integrated task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 2 hours
Due: End of placement
Weighting: 30%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

This is an end of placement assessment of competency, conducted In the placement setting with the supervisor. This review is conducted using an online tool. An average score of at least 5 out of 10 in at least 3 of the overall skill domains (i.e. assessment skills, clinical skills, report writing and professional skills) is required to pass the placement. A score below this will result in the unit being failed. The field supervisor provides recommendation to the placement co-ordinator who reviews the evaluation form including log book, and case log book to determine the awarding of the final grade.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply neuropsychological knowledge and scholarly understanding to determine client needs and design and implement evidence based interventions.
  • Communicate effectively across a wide range of client groups, colleagues and other professionals, using a variety of formats, taking into account developmental and cultural considerations
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative frameworks relevant to clinical neuropsychologists and undertake practice according to professional standards and the Psychology Board of Australia's code of ethics.
  • Demonstrate the entry level capabilities required of practising clinical neuropsychologists, includingthe professional and personal skills for assessing continuous development needs.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of face-to-face learning activities, including supervision, interactions with patients and multidisciplinary team members, readings, and other assessments and treatment tools. Details can be found on the iLearn site for this unit.

Technology Used

Access to computers and site-specific technology (e.g. iPads for assessments) is typically provided in the placement settings you will be allocated to. Students may also want to bring their own laptop or tablet on placements.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

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

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

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

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

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.

Inclusion and Diversity

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field. The University has made significant moves to promote an equitable, diverse and exciting campus community for the benefit of staff and students. It is your responsibility to contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice in the areas of learning and teaching, research, and service orientation and delivery. As a member of the Macquarie University community, you must not discriminate against or harass others based on their sex, gender, race, marital status, carers' responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, age, political conviction or religious belief. All staff and students are expected to display appropriate behaviour that is conducive to a healthy learning environment for everyone.

Professionalism

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses.

As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning (e.g., PACE placements), and team-based learning activities. Some learning activities are recorded (e.g., face-to-face lectures), however you are encouraged to avoid relying upon such material as they do not recreate the whole learning experience and technical issues can and do occur. As an adult learner, we respect your decision to choose how you engage with your learning, but we would remind you that the learning opportunities we create for you have been done so to enable your success, and that by not engaging you may impact your ability to successfully complete this unit. We equally expect that you show respect for the academic staff who have worked hard to develop meaningful activities and prioritise your learning by communicating with them in advance if you are unable to attend a small group interactive session.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers. It is the right of every student to learn in an environment that is free of disruption and distraction. Please arrive to all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join activity as quietly as possible to minimise disruption. Phones and other electronic devices that produce noise and other distractions must be turned off prior to entering class. Where your own device (e.g., laptop) is being used for class-related activities, you are asked to close down all other applications to avoid distraction to you and others. Please treat your fellow students with the utmost respect. If you are uncomfortable participating in any specific activity, please let the relevant academic know.


Unit information based on version 2023.02 of the Handbook