Prospectus

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Neuroscience (Clinical assessment and treatment)

Course
2024-2025

N.B. Language of instruction is English at all times. Proficiency in English as well as a basic understanding of neurobiology are assumed.

Description

The Neuroscience (Clinical assessment and treatment) course focuses on the relationship between brain and behavior in children. Central 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 and emotional problems. The course teaches the fundamentals of neuroscience and the important aspects of neuropsychological functions (such as attention, language, social cognition and executive functioning).

Special attention will be given to the etiology, assessment, and treatment of disorders that are related to brain pathology and dysfunction, such as neurodevelopmental disorders and psychiatric problems (e.g. ADHD and autism), neurological disorders (e.g. acquired brain injury), and genetic syndromes (e.g. Sex Chromosome Trisomies).

Course objectives

At the end of the course the student has acquired the following objectives:

  • The student has state-of-the-art knowledge about general brain-behavior pathways.

  • The student has insight into processes leading to brain pathology and the mechanisms of influence of neuropathology on neuropsychological functions.

  • The student is able to link neuropsychological (dys)functionsto the behavioral correlates.

  • The student has state-of-the-art knowledge of the etiology, assessment and treatment of brain disorders that affect behavior and social functioning.

  • The student has knowledge of neuropsychological assessment and treatment

  • The student is able to integrate scientific knowledge and insights with regard to neuropsychological assessment and treatment in his / her clinical work by transferring this in an understandable manner on parents and other professionals.

  • The student is able to write a scientific paper.

Timetable

For the timetable of this course please refer to MyTimetable

Mode of instruction

The course includes ten lectures and writing of a paper.

Assessment method

Written (open book) exam and paper.

The grade for the exam should be 5,5, or higher. The paper is graded in a pass/fail manner; in case of a fail situation there will be opportunity for a retake. A second fail requires re-taking the paper 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.

Brightspace

Detailed information is provided on Brightspace. It is important to consult this information throughout the course.

Reading list

  • English-language scientific articles and/or book chapters selected by course co-ordinator.

Registration

Education
Students must register themselves for all course components (lectures, tutorials and practicals) they wish to follow. You can register via My Studymap up to 5 days prior to the start of the course.

Exams
It is mandatory for all students to register for each exam in My Studymap. This is possible up to and including 10 calendar days prior to the examination. You cannot take an exam without a valid registration.

Carefully read all information about the procedures and deadlines for registering for courses and exams.

Contact information

Co-ordinator: Prof.dr. J.T. Swaab.