N.B. Language of instruction is English at all times. Proficiency in English as well as a basic understanding of neurobiology are assumed.
Admission requirements
Participated in the exam of the Master’s course Diagnostiek en behandeling: inleiding
Description
The Neuroscience specialization of the course Clinical assessment and treatment focuses on the relationship between brain and behavior in children. Central to the Neuroscience specialization is a neuropsychological model, which explains how the relation between brain and behavior is mediated by neuropsychological functions. The model provides a means to explain how brain pathology can lead to behavioral problems. The course teaches the fundamentals of neuroscience, the development of the neuronal system, and the important aspects of neuropsychological functions. Special attention will be given to the etiology, assessment, and treatment of disorders that are related to brain pathology, such as psychiatric disorders (e.g. ADHD, autism), neurological disorders (e.g. acquired brain injury), and genetic syndromes (e.g. PKU, Neurofibromatosis).
Course objectives
Knowledge of the fundamentals of neuroscience and neurosystem development.
Knowledge of the neuropsychological functions, the brain systems they relate to, and the behavioral correlates.
Insight into processes leading to brain pathology and the mechanisms of influence of neuropathology on neuropsychological functions.
Knowledge of the etiology, assessment and treatment of brain disorders that affect behavior.
Integrating a neuroscientific perspective into clinical practice.
Scientific writing skills.
Achievement levels
1 Substantive knowledge
1.1 has profound knowledge of the various theories and methodological approaches common within the domain of one of the specialisations offered by the Master’s programme;
1.2 is able to analyse and conceptualise questions and problems in one of the specialisations offered by the Master’s programme;
1.3 has the capacity to identify a theoretical framework suitable for addressing problems and issues relevant for one of the specialisations offered by the Master’s programme;
1.4 has knowledge of models and methods of prevention and intervention relevant for one of the specialisations offered by the Master’s programme;
1.5 is acquainted with the professional field of the Master’s specialisation.
2 Research methods and statistics
2.1 is competent in methodological and technical research skills that are current in Education and Child Studies in general, and in the Master’s specialisation in particular;
2.3 is able to critically evaluate aspects of study design and methodology in empirical research.
3 Academic skills
3.1 describing and analysing practical and theoretical issues in human development from both a scientific and an ethical point of view;
3.2 analysing and evaluating scientific literature critically to establish its practical or theoretical relevance;
3.3 formulating a consistent line of reasoning, based on scientific arguments;
3.4 reporting orally and in writing on issues in human development both in an academic and in a professional context.
4 Professional conduct
4.1 connect scientific knowledge and insights to practical issues in human development;
4.2 analyse child-raising and/or educational issues and establish appropriate professional strategies.
Mode of instruction
The course includes ten lectures and writing of a paper.
Assessment method
Written exam and paper.
The paper is evaluated by means of a pass/fail grading. The final exam includes essay questions.
Paper
A scientific paper concerning neuropsychological aspects of a particular brain disorder. Students choose a subject from a list of subjects, which is presented during the first lecture. The paper includes 1500-2000 words (excl. title page, table of contents, and reference list), letter size 12 (Arial/Times), line space 1.5. Literature search is performed by the students and needs to result into a minimum of 80% English-language, peer-reviewed articles with at least three recent references.
The paper is graded in a pass/fail manner; in case of a fail situation there will be opportunity for re-examination. A second fail requires re-examination in the following year.
N.B. It is NOT a requirement to pass the paper before taking the exam. However, both exam and paper need to be completed successfully in order to pass the course.
Blackboard
Detailed information is provided on Blackboard. It is important to consult this information throughout the course.
Reading list
Semrud-Clikeman, M. & Ellison, P.A.T. (2009). Child neuropsychology: Assessment and interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Springer.
Suggested reading in Dutch:
Hanna Swaab, Anke Bouma, Jos Hendriksen, Claudia König (2011). Klinische kinderneuropsychologie. Ontwikkelingen en functie, diagnose en therapie. Amsterdam: Boom. (ISBN: 9789085062691)
Registration
Please note that separate uSis registration is mandatory for lectures, seminars, exams and re-exams. Student who do not register, cannot attend courses or take exams.
Courses
Registration for the lectures of the course is possible as of 100 calendar days through 10 calendar days before the first lecture at the latest;
Registration for the seminars of the course is possible as of 100 calendar days through 10 calendar days before the first seminar at the latest.
Exams
Student must register for each exam through uSis. This is only possible until 10 calendar days before the exam. More information on exam registration
Contact information
Co-ordinator of the course is Dr. T. Ziermans.