Clinical Neuropsychology I

Catalog description

The two-semester didactic sequence constitutes an integral component of The Minor in Clinical Neuropsychology. Concurrent with the course work students are required to complete a formal year-long externship in Clinical Neuropsychology. Specifically, the first course is designed to introduce the student to the field of Adult Clinical Neuropsychology. Emphasis will be placed on both theoretical and practical aspects of neuropsychological assessment. With respect to theory, the course will cover historical aspects, basic concepts and principles, and methodological issues inherent in neuropsychological assessment. Additionally, students will learn how administer neuropsychological tests, score, conceptualize and write neuropsychological reports. The goal of the second-semester course in clinical neuropsychology is to build upon and extend the knowledge gained in the first course of the sequence. The student will learn how neuropsychological tests are used to help diagnose and delineate the course of various disorders that affect the central nervous system. Such disorders include but are not limited to neuro-degenerative diseases, vascular disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and infectious and inflammatory brain disorders. Some of the class time on both semesters will be devoted to supervision and case presentations of clinical cases. Upon completion of this sequence, the student is expected to have acquired a solid theoretical knowledge base in clinical neuropsychology and basic clinical skills in neuropsychological assessment.