UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

This unit introduces students to the neurological and behavioural sequelae of various neuropsychological disorders with a primarily multifocal/diffuse neuropsychological presentation (e.g. dementias) and highlights traditional and contemporary techniques used to increase understanding of the neural mechanisms contributing to the client's presentation. Current rehabilitative strategies are also reviewed.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify and describe empirically-supported neuroanatomical, cognitive neuroscience and other relevant approaches to understanding the aetiology, presentation, course, and other clinical issues relevant to a variety of neuropsychological disorders, including formal diagnostic criteria.; (2) identify and describe the cognitive neuroscience, psychometric and other research relevant to validly interpreting neuropsychological assessments using multiple methodologies in diverse clinical groups, including individuals with complex presentations.; (3) identify and describe cognitive, behavioural, and emotional interventions and supports for a variety of neuropsychological disorders with reference to the empirical literature.; (4) demonstrate how to effectively communicate neuropsychologically relevant findings and recommendations in a manner that can be understood by consumers and other clinicians.; (5) identify common ethical issues relevant to neuropsychological assessment and interventions, including forensic applications.; (6) describe the approaches and contributions of other clinicians in the assessment and treatment of neuropsychological disorders relevant to the practice of a clinical neuropsychologist.; and (7) Be able to describe common pharmacological approaches to treating relevant symptoms and disorders, including potential influences on neurobehavioural presentations..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) essay; (2) examination; and (3) attendance. 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 attendance component.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Michael Weinborn

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Enrolment in

01890/54590 Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Clinical Neuropsychology
or 01870/54570 Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Clinical Psychology

and Successful completion of

three Unit(s) PSYC5672 Foundations in Clinical Skills I
and Unit(s) PSYC5673 Foundations in Clinical Skills II
and Unit(s) PSYC5531 Assessment and Intervention—Adult Complex Disorders

Incompatibility

Unit(s) PSYC5541 Theories and Disorders
and Unit(s) PSYC5591 Neuropsychopathology
and Unit(s) PSYC5595 Plasticity and Rehabilitation

Contact hours

12 x 3 hours (attendance to classes is compulsory)

Note

Students enrolled in an APAC accredited program must hold provisional registration as a psychologist. It is the students' responsibility to ensure registration eligibility. Enrolled students are also responsible for maintaining provisional registration for the duration of their enrolment in the program.