BEHV 7009 Clinical Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology
Credit Points 10
Legacy Code 101817
Coordinator Steven Cumming Opens in new window
Description This unit provides a comprehensive grounding in contemporary neuropsychological theories, methods and measures, including understanding of neurocognitive disorders. The nature of the cognitive systems involved in attention, memory, language, spatial processing, and executive functions will be reviewed, with discussion of the neuropsychological assessment of each of these systems. The unit also includes coverage of the classification, use and efficacy of common psychopharmacological agents. The unit will stress the importance of neural abnormalities in patients, and how these are related to symptoms and behavioural dysfunction. Working within inter-disciplinary contexts that include psychological, pharmacological and surgical treatments for neuropsychological disorders will also be discussed.
School Psychology
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp
Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.
Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject
Pre-requisite(s) BEHV 7003
Equivalent Subjects LGYA 1205 - Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychology
Restrictions Students must be enrolled in 1546 Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) or 1812 Master of Clinical Psychology or 8108 Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Clinical Psychology
Learning Outcomes
- Draw from appropriate theory to analyse the neuropsychology of neurocognitive disorders (APAC GA: 3.2, 3.5, 4.2.1i, ii &iii, & 4.2.2i) ).
- Demonstrate evidence-based practice skills in neuropsychological assessment and treatment formulation, including in the context of inter-disciplinary interventions (APAC GA: 3.5, 3.6, 4.2.2ii, 4.2.2iii, & 4.2.3iii).
- Classify and explain the mechanisms of psychoactive drug action (APAC GA: 4.2.1iv).
- Characterise and explain the common psychopharmacological treatments (APAC GA: 4.2.1iv).
- Demonstrate applied understanding and competency in the delivery of at least one specific neurocognitive assessment measure (APAC GA: 3.4, 3.6, 4.2.2ii & 4.2.2iii).
Subject Content
- Cognitive systems.
- Neuropsychological disorders.
- Memory in clinical Contexts.
- Cognitive Rehabilitation
- Traumatic Brain injury and rehabilitation
- The mechanisms of psychoactive drug action.
- Psychopharmacology for psychological disorders.
- Neuropsychological Screening.
- Neuropsychological Assessment
Assessment
The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.
| Item | Length | Percent | Threshold | Individual/Group Task |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical | 40 minutes | 40 | Y | Individual |
| End of Session Exam | 48 hours – administered over vUWS | 60 | Y | Individual |
Teaching Periods
2022 Semester 2
Bankstown
Day
Subject Contact Steven Cumming Opens in new window
Attendance Requirements 80% attendance rate is imposed in all core subjects’ due to the nature of class activities that are aligned with subject assessments.
View timetable Opens in new window
Penrith (Kingswood)
Day
Subject Contact Steven Cumming Opens in new window
Attendance Requirements 80% attendance rate is imposed in all core subjects’ due to the nature of class activities that are aligned with subject assessments.