Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

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Unit Overview

Description

This unit is the first practical placement unit in the Clinical Neuropsychology program and includes a variety of either internal or external placement experiences, or both, completed over the course of a non-standard teaching period (e.g. teaching period P6: 10 months—March through to December). The unit includes a preparation for placement component within the Robin Winkler Clinic identical to that provided in PSYC5678 Practicum I (formerly PSYC8678 Practicum I). There is also a 'risk aware' module which provides training in clinical risk awareness and management.

Students, in consultation with the placement coordinator, choose a variety of assessment and intervention experiences within the internal clinic, and/or external clinical neuropsychological experiences. These experiences allow students an opportunity to work with children, adults and older adults across a range of settings, including an internal neuropsychology community clinic.

Trainees are able to build basic clinical skills (including interviewing and interventions) as well as skills and experience in psychological and neuropsychological test selection, scoring, interpretation and communication of results during feedback sessions and case conferences, and report writing.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate the ability, as a scientist practitioner, to critically evaluate and apply relevant literature in professional practice, with due consideration of functioning across the life-span and evolution of any underlying pathology over time, and in response to the sociocultural diversity/background of clients attending the clinic; (2) demonstrate a knowledge of neuroanatomy, neuropathology and disease processes, brain-behaviour relationships, theories of cognitive neuroscience, and psychopharmacology as they apply to Neuropsychological practice; (3) understand the policies and professional procedures of a clinical agency/institution (e.g. referral management and record-keeping), as they are applied by different supervisors and in different sub-specialties.; (4) be aware of the roles of professionals in the multidisciplinary team of the agency/institution, work alongside others with respect for their skill-set; and in accordance with ethical responsibilities know when to liaise with or refer to other professionals if reaching the limit of one's own professional expertise; (5) gather information from multiple sources including review of prior documentation, in-depth clinical interview, and risk assessment; and then synthesise this to determine the most appropriate intervention (including risk management where indicated); (6) administer and interpret Neuropsychological tests, with an understanding of underlying cognitive/behavioural and psychometric theory (e.g. the importance of symptom validity testing); and to integrate this with other sources of information including observation and functional/collateral measures, to assess Neuropsychological disorders.; (7) evaluate psychopathology, as well as neuropathological and neuropsychological disorders, with reference to relevant international taxonomies of classification; (8) select appropriate interventions based on the evidence base and the client's needs (including rehabilitation, behaviour management/remediation), monitor clients' progress over time, and adapt one's formulation and treatment plans in light of new information; (9) engage in self-reflective practice to notice the impact of one's own values and beliefs on professional practice, and to evaluate the effectiveness of one's professional work; and implement changes to address areas for improvement; (10) employ professional communication skills to communicate findings, in oral and written formats (including formal reports) using culturally appropriate language and with a range of socially and culturallly diverse clients; and (11) demonstrate knowledge of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) Code of Ethics and how it guides clinical practice.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) supervisor placement evaluation reports (Paediatric and Adult rotations), online quizzes and electronic logbook of practicum activities; (2) active participation and attendance (clinic meetings and case conferences, supervision, seminars/workshops, client assessments/feedbacks, intervention modules); delivery of case presentations; and (3) completion of Neuropsychological assessment reports; casebooks and logbooks; client files and progress notes; ability to comply with administrative requirements as per professional guidelines. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the supervisor placement evaluation reports (Paediatric and Adult rotations), online quizzes and electronic logbook of practicum activities, active participation and attendance (clinic meetings and case conferences, supervision, seminars/workshops, client assessments/feedbacks, intervention modules); delivery of case presentations, and completion of Neuropsychological assessment reports; casebooks and logbooks; client files and progress notes; ability to comply with administrative requirements as per professional guidelines components.

This unit is assessed on an ungraded pass/ungraded failed basis. All assessment items must be successfully completed.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Andrew Sheridan and Dr Di Harvey
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
01890/54590 Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Clinical Neuropsychology
or 53390 Graduate Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology
and Successful completion of
two Unit(s) PSYC5672 Foundations in Clinical Skills I Unit(s) PSYC5673 Foundations in Clinical Skills II
Contact hours
Minimum 400 hours (including observation, supervision, supervised clinical work and case presentations), of which 160 direct client contact. A record of signed hours and activities must be kept using the electronic logbook system and submitted at the end of semester.
Note
Students enrolled in an APAC accredited program must hold provisional registration as a psychologist and a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC). It is the students' responsibility to ensure registration eligibility. Enrolled students are also responsible for maintaining provisional registration and WWCC for the duration of their enrolment in the program, and renewals need to be submitted well ahead of time to prevent lapses.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.