Choose a study that has had a major and lasting impact on the discipline of neuropsychology (e.g., Penfield, W. (1959)  The Interpretive Cortex. Science, 129 (3365), 1719-1725; Gazzinga, M (1967) The split brain in man. Scientific American, 217(2), 24-29). I have suggestions of papers that link closely with lecture material or you are free to choose another paper.

With a maximum of three power point slides (not including the references and the title slide which must include your name and reference to the paper presented) and five minutes presentation time (strictly enforced) , explain the findings of the study, why they are important for neuropsychology,  the neuroanatomical basis and findings in the current literature that are derived from the paper you are presenting.

As a group exercise (n= 4) students will present and critique a recently published single case.  Each group will do this once. I’ve selected the single cases. An important goal is to discuss the cases in an interactive manner. I hope that with a little planning and advance preparation, the case presentations will be a stimulating and enjoyable experience for all.One group of students will present the case: background to the disorder, detail of the case including the CT or MRI scans, details of the tests conducted and what was found, what conclusions can be drawn like they were presenting at a case conference at a hospital. They will also critique the conclusions  and comment of what additional data would clarify the conclusions. The remaining students  ( probably 3 groups of 4) will ask at least two questions.

The case presentation fulfil the following criteria:

• a single case published in a peer-reviewed journal from 2010 onwards
• not discussed in class
• the published case must contain both neuroanatomical (imaging or autopsy) and neuropsychological data
• the neuroanatomical data must be presented as Figures, not only described in the text
• the paper must be available electronically via Macquarie University Library
• must not be from the journal Neurocase

Make a power point presentation of the case contained in the report as if you were presenting this case to colleagues at a university seminar. In a maximum of ten slides (not including title slide, which must include your name and student number, and references) include

• a description of the case and context
• the research question: what link was the author trying to establish ? include why this is an interesting question
• the neuroanatomical and test data
• information about the tests chosen, what they measure and their appropriateness
• what conclusion was drawn
• what additional data would strengthen or diminish the conclusion
• any criticisms. There is no need to include criticisms such as the need for more unspecified research or the problem of generalisability per se. Focus on the data collected and the conclusions. Submit via the Ilearn site by 5pm on the due date

There will be a 40 item multiple choice test held on 30 March 2015. Questions will be drawn from the material presented in lectures.

In this exam you will be required to label photographs of brain structures and answer short answer questions. Questions will be drawn from the material presented in the practical sessions and the lectures.