Neuropsychological Dissociations 4H PSYCH4031

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Psychology and Neuroscience
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

The aim of this course is to introduce students to some major neuropsychological disorders and to outline how an understanding of these deficits can inform our understanding of brain function and enlighten cognitive neuroscience

Timetable

10 hours over a 5 week block

Requirements of Entry

Successful completion of level 3H psychology single honours

Excluded Courses

None

Assessment

Examination 100% you will answer 1 question from a choice of 3

Main Assessment In: April/May

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? Not applicable for Honours courses

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Course Aims

The aim of this course is to introduce students to some major neuropsychological disorders and to outline how an understanding of these deficits can inform our understanding of brain function and enlighten cognitive neuroscience. Impairments of higher visual functions such as agnosia, optic ataxia and hemispatial neglect shall be presented in detail and their relevance to models of brain function outlined. Students will also become familiar with cognitive neuropsychological tests.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this programme students will be able to:

■ Understand prominent models of brain function and critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of such models

■ Evaluate evidence for and against blindsight, optic ataxia

■ Critically assess the different models/level of explanation of the phenomena and outline the symptoms in relation to brain function

■ Reflect critically on the models of vision presented and discuss alternatives

■ Describe the disorder and the changing interpretations over time and evaluate the different interpretations of the syndrome

■ Give presentations based on the previous modules and evaluate findings

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.