Course content

Knowledge about the brain and its functioning increases our understanding of the patient. Neuropsychological expertise is important in all types of clinical psychological activities. The aim of this course, in combination with the course PSYPRO 4605, is to provide the student with an understanding of neuropsychological methods and to provide training in practical clinical neuropsychology.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

• The student should be able to describe the neuropsychological assessment, why and when it is performed, and what kind of information it provides.
• The student should be able to administer a selection of important neuropsychological tests and to know what these tests are measuring.
• The student should be able to describe conditions that might influence the reliability and validity of the neuropsychological assessment.
• The student should be able to describe different challenges when assessing particular groups such as children or the elderly.

Skills:

• The student should be able to evaluate when a neuropsychological assessment should be performed or initiated.
• The student should be able to perform an anamnestic interview of the patient and to collect relevant background information.
• The student should be able to administer and score a selection of central neuropsychological tests. Have observed the use of a larger number of neuropsychological tests and methods.
• The student should be able to draw conclusions regarding the patient´s cognitive functioning based on the neuropsychological profile.

General competence:

• The student should be able to integrate neuropsychological knowledge with other clinical experience.
• The student has knowledge of differential diagnostics, including different neurological conditions and mental disorders.
• The student can use and evaluate comparative information where applicable.
• The student has the expertise and skills necessary for initiating a neuropsychological examination and have the basic knowledge to understand the neuropsychological test results.
• The student has basic knowledge of how a report from a neuropsychological survey is written.
• The student is able to describe current measures and implications from a neuropsychological examination

Learning methods and activities

The course consists of lectures in the use of neuropsychological tests, test practice and neuropsychological practice. The evaluation of the course is based on the active participation of the student and in accordance to the Guidelines for the implementation and evaluation of clinical practice.

Compulsory assignments

• 100% attendance at staff
• 100% attendance at practise
• 80 % attendance testing course

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Passed exam in PSYPRO4201-4204 and PSYPRO4601-4604 is required.The class is divided into two this semester. One group will take the PSYPRO4605 and PSYPRO4606, the second group PSYPRO4505 and perspective course, and reverse the following semester.

Course materials

Any articles / supporting literature will be, if required, given by the trainers. The syllabus for the course PSYPRO4605 - Clinical Neuropsychology, must also be regarded as supporting literature.

Credit reductions