PSY221_P11 Introduction to Neuropsychology

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2013
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Daniel Joel Shaw, Ph.D., M.Sc. (lecturer)
prof. PhDr. Zbyněk Vybíral, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Lenka Beláňová (alternate examiner)
Guaranteed by
prof. PhDr. Zbyněk Vybíral, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Daniel Joel Shaw, Ph.D., M.Sc.
Supplier department: Department of Psychology – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Thu 8:00–9:40 U35
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 25 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/25, only registered: 0/25, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/25
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
Students will learn about the behavioural and psychological consequences of damage to particular brain systems. This is achieved by learning from neuropsychological case studies. Throughout the lectures students will gain an understanding of how certain neuropsychology have advanced our understanding of the human brain, together with an appreciation of the limitations of the case-study approach.
Syllabus
  • Lectures: 1. A) Introduction; B) Memory • Following an introduction to the course and a discussion of the coursework components, students will learn about the various brain systems involved in memory, and encounter a variety of memory-related deficits. 2. Language • This lecture will outline our understanding of the different brain systems involved in productive and receptive speech, as acquired through neuropsychological case studies. 3. Visual perception • Students will learn about dissociable perceptual impairments following damage to various aspects of the visual system. As they learn about the “two visual systems hypothesis”, they will encounter the basic neurophysiology behind visual perception. 4. Motor behaviour • In this lecture students will encounter the cortical and sub-cortical components of the motor system, and how damage to these various sub-systems results in specific patterns of motor impairment. 5. A) Emotion; B) Executive Function • This lecture will discuss first how neuropsychological patients have informed our understanding about affective behaviour. It will then turn to impairments in executive function, focusing specifically on decision making. These two sub-components will then be brought to together by critically discussing the “somatic marker hypothesis”. 6. Lateralisation • Students will learn about ‘split brain’ research and what it has taught us about hemispheric specialisation. 7. Current Issues and Debates in Neuropsychology • To finish the course, students will learn about the current issues and debates that currently surround neuropsychology. In doing so they will learn to critically assess case studies and to appreciate the relative benefits of modern neuroscientific research techniques. 8. Revision/Discussion • This session will serve as a seminar, giving students an opportunity to discuss openly any areas of particular interest, and to clarify any areas that they may be unsure about, before the exam. 9. Presentations • In groups, students will present the results of their own research into particular neuropsychological disorders. 10. Exam • The course finishes with a 1hr multiple-choice examination.
Assessment methods
Assessment: 1. Presentation (30%): Student will be required to give a 10-15 minute presentation/discussion (in groups) on an area of neuropsychological research (e.g. visual perception) of their choice. This should demonstrate (a) their understanding of the behavioural abnormalities that result from particular patterns of brain damage; (b) an appreciation for the inferences that can be drawn from relevant neuropsychological patient(s); (c) the advantages and limitations of the “lesion” approach in advancing our understanding of their chosen area of research, and of brain-behaviour relationships in general. 2. Written examination (70%): Students will sit a 1hr multiple-choice examination, in which they will answer questions covering the content of the lectures and themes/topics covered in the recommended reading.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course can also be completed outside the examination period.
The course is taught each semester.
Teacher's information
https://elf.phil.muni.cz/elf2/course/view.php?id=507
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2011, Spring 2014.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2013, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/spring2013/PSY221_P11