Entry requirements
All 60 ec of the first-year in Psychology obtained.
Description
One in 5 people will suffer at some point in their life from a brain disorder such as autism, encephalitis, cerebral confusion, a stroke, epilepsy, schizophrenia or dementia. Patients with a (suspected) brain disorder are often referred to a clinical neuropsychologist. Neuropsychologists specialise in the quantitative mapping of the nature, severity and development of cognitive (concentration disorders, forgetfulness, aphasia, etc.), emotional and behavioural disorders (personality change, depression, etc.) and their treatment and management. Clinical neuropsychologists also need a sound knowledge of the structure, and functioning of the healthy (developing) and diseased brain and what affects it. Clinical neuropsychology is developing into an increasingly evidence-based practice that focuses on quality improvement, effectiveness and efficiency. This requires clinical neuropsychologists to develop academic skills in accordance with the ‘scientist-practitioner’ model.
Course objectives
At the end of the course, the student:
can differentiate between various neurocognitive domains and associated impairments;
can differentiate between various brain disorders and their associated impairments and underlying pathology;
can describe neuropsychological methods and techniques used to diagnose and treat brain disorders;
an describe research methods and techniques used to study the effects of brain disorders on behaviour;
has developed presentation skills that allow them to communicate a current (clinical) neuropsychological theme/topic.
Timetable
For the timetable of this course please refer to MyTimetable
This course is offered twice a year. Students follow the course in one block (Block 1 or 3)
Registration
Education
Students must register themselves for all course components (lectures, tutorials and practicals) they wish to follow. You can register up to 5 days prior to the start of the course.
Exams
You must register for each exam in My Studymap at least 10 days before the exam date. Don’t forget! For more information, see the enrolment procedure.
You cannot take an exam without a valid registration in My Studymap.
Carefully read all information about the procedures and deadlines for registering for courses and exams.
Students who take this course as part of a LDE minor or a premaster programme, exchange students and external guest students will be informed by the education administration about the current registration procedure.
Mode of instruction
7 2-hour lectures (weblectures are available; English language)
7 2-hour work group sessions (attendance is mandatory; Dutch and English language)
Attendance at the workgroup sessions is mandatory. See Brightspace for more information.
The lectures cover a combination of neuropsychological theory and its application to clinical and/or academic practice. The work group sessions – which represent a broadening/deepening of the lectures and required reading – cover the following aspects: practicing neuropsychological diagnostics and interventions, patient demonstrations (including video case-based reasoning), neuroanatomy – during one workgroup the teacher will dissect a calf’s brain (there is an alternative workgroup available), and recent scientific developments in the field of neuropsychology. Students are required to present (1) about brain structures in relation to neurocognitive disorders and (2) about the neuropsychological consequences of neurological disorders, including a student-led discussion on a controversial theme.
Assessment method
The final mark consists of the mark for the examination (60%; minimum mark 5) and an assignment mark (40%; minimum mark 5).
The examination consists of multiple-choice and essay questions. The examination covers both the book mentioned below and the lectures. The multiple-choice and essay questions are in English. The essay questions may be answered in Dutch or English.
The graded assignments consist of an oral presentation, including a student-led discussion on a controversial theme, and a poster on a current (clinical) neuropsychological topic created in collaboration with other students.
Course passed = pass mark in the examination (minimum grade 5) + pass mark for work group session attendance + pass mark for the assignments (minimum average grade 5) and a weighted average of 5,5 or higher.
This course is offered twice a year. Students follow the course in one block (Block 1 or 3). The exam opportunities for the course take place after the blocks in which the course is offered: i.e. after Block 1, after Block 3. There is a third exam opportunity in the Summer resit period.
The Institute of Psychology uses fixed rules for grade calculation. It also follows the policy of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences to systematically check student papers for plagiarism with the help of software. All students are required to take and pass the Scientific Integrity Test with a score of 100% in order to learn about the practice of integrity in scientific writing. Students are given access to the quiz via a module on Brightspace. Disciplinary measures will be taken when fraud is detected. Students are expected to be familiar with and understand the implications of these two policies.
Information about the post-exam consultation will become available on Brightspace after the examination.
Reading list
Roy Kessels, Esther van den Berg, Rudolf Ponds, Joke Spikman, Martine van Zandvoort | Clinical Neuropsychology (revision) | Boom uitgevers Amsterdam | Augustus 2023 | ISBN 9789024456130 | 01.01 | 688 blz. Please note that this is the new edition
Contact information
Dr. Julie Hall Neuropsy@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
Dr. Karin van der Hiele
Neuropsy@fsw.leidenuniv.nl