University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: USPJE8-20-3 Title: COGNITIVE NEUROPSYCHOLOGY Version: 5

Level: 3 UWE credit rating: 20 ECTS credit rating: 10

Module type: STANDARD

Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field: Psychology

Valid from: September 2003 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites: USPJDC-20-2 Research Design and Methods 2

USPJDD-20-2 Cognitive Psychology

Co-requisites: NONE

Excluded combinations: NONE

Learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students should be able to:

• Understand the theoretical assumptions underlying the discipline in regard to the relationship between brain and mind.

• Understand the link between neurological systems and cognitive processes.

• Appreciate the value and limits of major models and theories of cognitive processes.

• Understand the various research methods and experimental tools used for testing and diagnosing cognitive deficits.

Syllabus Content:

Introduction to Neuropsychology

Theoretical underpinnings (neurological specificity, functionalism, modularity etc)

Revision of neuroanatomy/cognitive theory

Principles of neuropsychology (research methods, single case versus group studies, extrapolation from animal experimentation)

Memory and learning

Principles and theories of normal and abnormal attention, memory and learning

Amnesia

Perception

Blindsight

Visual agnosia

Object and face recognition

Voice recognition

Synaesthesia

Language understanding and production

Normal and abnormal speech recognition and production

Language processing

Intelligence thinking and problem solving

Normal and abnormal mental processes

Acquired deficits in intelligence, thinking and reasoning and general problem solving

Reading and writing

Normal and abnormal recognition and production of visual language

Forms of dyslexia

Split brain

Relationship between brain and consciousness

Teaching and learning methods:

Lectures introducing the syllabus, basic principles, and theories.

Seminars/Tutorials with in depth discussions of up to date theory and research

Reading Strategy

All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.

This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.

Banich, M T (1997) Neuropsychology. Houghton Mifflin. N.Y.

Code, C, Wallesch, C, Joanette, Y & Roch Lecours, A (Eds) 1996. Classic Cases in Neuropsychology. Psychology Press, UK.

Ellis A W & Young A W (1988) Human Cognitive Neuropsychology Psychology Press

Parkin A J (1993) Explorations in Cognitive Neuropsychology Blackwell

Journals including

TINS

TICS

Memory and Cognition

Perception

Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology

Journal of Experimental Psychology

Cognitive Neuropsychology

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50 %

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A Element weighting

EX2	Examination (2 hour)	1

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

ES1	Essay (2000 Words)	1

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes) NO

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

EX2	Examination (2 hours)	1

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

ES1	Essay (2000 words)	1

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes. YES

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)