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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Clinical & Experimental Neuropsychology
Module Code PSY1063 (ITS: PSYC508)
Faculty Psychology School Science & Health
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Description

This module is intended to provide Master’s level psychology students with an advanced understanding and appreciation of the principles, methods and practical applications of both clinical and experimental neuropsychology. The methodological and conceptual basis of neuropsychology is considered in detail and the module covers both a functional and an anatomical approach to the study and understanding of brain-behavioural relationships. This module also considers the range of individual and environmental factors that interact with and impact upon the cognitive and behavioural expression of brain injury. Clinical and experimental research with individuals with a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions is discussed and evaluated, as is the extant literature on historical and more recent experimental study of healthy individuals. The module concludes with an overview of the practical aspects of clinical formulation and neuropsychological assessment of cognitive and behavioural aspects of brain dysfunction, together with best-practice guidelines for therapeutic and rehabilitation interventions.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and describe the gross functional neuroanatomy of the human brain.
2. Describe the major neurobiological and environmental aspects of a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.
3. Source, read and critically evaluate primary literature on core topics in clinical and experimental neuropsychology.
4. Identify and consider ethical and professional-practice issues related to the discipline of neuropsychology.
5. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the range of cognitive and behavioural changes that can result from specific forms of brain injury / dysfunction.
6. Demonstrate ability to assess critically the relative strengths and weaknesses of competing methodological and theoretical approaches to human neuropsychology research and practice.
7. Identify and evaluate core, alternative and complementary neuropsychological assessment tools for assessment of specific cognitive domains.
8. Communicate neuropsychological knowledge and neuropsychological assessment data in a clear, concise and scholarly manner.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture20Lectures (10 x 2 hours)
Directed learning12Specified laboratory-based and online learning activities.
Independent Study91Independent learning, portfolio and exam preparation
Directed learning2Formal end of module exam
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN20979Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorMichelle CaffreyModule TeacherSimon Dunne
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
PortfolioCritical overview of current understanding of neurobiological and neuropsychological aspects of a selected neurological or neuropsychiatric condition. Formal neuropsychological case report (based on supplied neuropsychological assessment data – anonymised) that follows the accepted conventions of the discipline of clinical neuropsychology.50%n/a
Assignmentn/a50%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to the discipline of neuropsychology

Principles, methods and practical applications of clinical and experimental neuropsychology

Primer of neuroanatomy and functional neuroanatomy (including development and plasticity)

Basic principles of brain asymmetry and lateralisation

Individual differences in functional neuroanatomy – gender, handedness, developmental and medical history

Neurology and neuropsychiatry for psychologists - the most common neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions

Anatomical approach to neuropsychology

Functional approach to neuropsychology

Neuropsychological Assessment: principles and practice

Neuro-rehabilitation: principles and practice

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Andrews, D.: 2015, Neuropsychology: From Theory to Practice, 2nd, Routledge, UK,
  • Kolb, B & Whishaw, I.Q.: 2015, Fundamentals of human neuropsychology, 7th, Worth Publishers, New York, US,
  • Lezak, M.D, Howieson, D.B. Bigler, E.D. & Tranel, D.: 2012, Neuropsychological Assessment, 5th,
  • Poreh, A.M.: 2012, The Quantified Process Approach to Neuropsychological Assessment., Taylor and Francis, New York, US,
  • Beaumont, J.G.: 2008, Introduction to Neuropsychology, 2nd,
  • Blumenfeld, H.: 2011, Neuroanatomy through Clinical Cases, 2nd, Sinauer Associates, US,
  • Brauer Boone, K.: 2017, Clinical Practice of Forensic Neuropsychology: An Evidenced-based Approach., The Guilford Press, US,
  • Breedlove, S.M.: 2017, Foundations of Neural Development, Sinauer Associates, US,
  • Changeux, J-P., Damasio, A., & Singer, W.: 2005, Neurobiology of human values: Research and perspectives in neurosciences., Springer-Verlag., Berlin, EU,
  • Connors, B. W., Paradiso, M. A., & Bear M. F.: 2006, Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain, 3rd, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, MD, US,
  • Damasio, A.: 2000, The feeling of what happens: body, emotion, and the making of consciousness., Vintage Books, London, UK,
  • Damasio, A.: 2003, Looking for Spinoza. Joy, Sorrow, and the Feeling Brain, Vintage Books, London, UK,
  • Damasio, A.: 2006, Descartes’ Error: Emotion, Reason and the Human Brain., Harper Collins, New York, US,
  • Damasio, A.: 2010, Self comes to mind: constructing the conscious brain., Pantheon Books, New York, US,
  • Damasio, A., & Damasio, H.: 2012, Neurobiology of Decision-making: Research and perspectives in neurosciences., Springer-Verlag, Berlin, EU,
  • Goldstein, L.H., & McNeil, J.E.: 2013, Clinical Neuropsychology. A practical guide to assessment and management for clinicians., John Wiley and SonsWest Sussex, UK,
  • Joseph, R.: 2011, Neuroscience: Neuropsychology, Neuropsychiatry, Brain & Mind, University Press, US,
  • Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J., & Jessell, T.: 2013, Principles of Neural Science, 5th, McGraw-Hill, London, UK,
  • LeDoux, J.: 1999, The emotional brain: the mysterious underpinnings of emotional life, Orion Books, London, UK,
  • Luria, A. R.: 1973, The Working Brain: An Introduction to Neuropsychology., Basic Books, US,
  • Marchall, J., Gurd, J., & Kischka, U.: 2012, The Handbook of Clinical Neuropsychology., Oxford University Press., Oxford, UK,
  • Purves, D., Cabeza, R., Huettel, S.A., LaBar, K.S., Platt, M.L., & Woldorff, M.G.: 2013, Principles of Cognitive Neuroscience, 2nd, Sinauer Associates., US,
  • Ramachandran, V.S.: 2012, The Tell-Tale Brain: unlocking the mystery of human nature: tales of the unexpected from inside your mind., Windmill, London, UK,
  • Ramachandran, V.S., & Blakeslee: 1999, Phantoms in the brain., Fourth Estate, London, UK,
  • Sacks, O.: 1998, The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat, and Other Clinical Tales, Touchstone, US,
  • Sacks, O.: 1999, Awakenings, Vintage Books, US,
  • Schaff, R.C. & Zapletal, A.L.: 2010, Mastering Neuroscience: A Laboratory Guide, SaundersSt. Louis, MI, US,
  • Squire, L. R., Berg, D., Bloom, F., du Lac, S., & Ghosh, A.: 2008, Fundamental Neuroscience, 3rd, Academic Press, San Diego, CA, US,
  • Stein, J. F.: 2006, Neuroscience: an Introduction, 1st, John Wiley and Sons, Oxford, UK,
  • Stirling, J., & Elliott, R.: 2008, Introducing Neuropsychology, 2nd, Psychology Press, Hove and NY, US,
  • Vanderploeg, Rodney D.: 2014, Clinician's Guide To Neuropsychological Assessment, 2, revised, Psychology Press,, 1135655847,
  • Zilmer, E. A., Spiers, M. V., & Culbertson W.: 2007, Principles of Neuropsychology, 2nd, Wadsworth Publisher, UK,


Articles:
None
Other Resources

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