Course content

The course is a continuation of topics in clinical psychology, with a focus on a lifespan perspective of clinical neuropsychology. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of how to clinically assess and understand brain-behavior relationships, and applying this knowledge in patient treatment and follow-up.

An introduction to tools and approaches for clinical neuropsychological examination and assessment will be provided. Emphasis will be placed on the utility of (1) 1) Clinical interview, patient observation (including collateral information), (2) knowledge about the patient's injury/disease/condition, (3) Qualitative assessments to assess focal neurological and neurocognitive deficits, (4) standardized normative tests and inventories, and (5) research-based knowledge from state-of-the-art health technology and neuroscience methods. The significance of the patient's language and culture will be emphasized

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The student

• has advanced knowledge of clinical neuropsychological assessment of children and adults
• has in-depth knowledge of key neuropsychological topics, methods, and tools relevant in a lifespan perspective
• has knowledge of high-prevalence acute and chronic neurological diseases
• has in-depth knowledge of various evidence-based treatment theories and models, both for understanding neuropsychological topics and for neuropsychological treatment, patient follow-up, and rehabilitation
• has knowledge of psychological aspects related to disabilities, impairments, and syndromes, as well as interdisciplinary rehabilitation
• has in-depth knowledge of work capacity assessment
• has in-depth knowledge of health requirements assessment for driving licenses
• has in-depth familiarity with relevant neuroimaging methods and neuroradiological examination
• has in-depth knowledge of neurological examination
• has knowledge of the impact of cultural and language background on disease understanding, neuropsychological assessment, and treatment
• understands the psychologist's role in interdisciplinary collaboration in the assessment and treatment of individuals with cognitive difficulties
• has in-depth knowledge of conveying a treatment rationale to patients/users and various methods to ensure patients/users' involvement in and choice of their own assessment and treatment.

Skills:

The student

• can apply relevant research literature in theoretical, empirical, and practical contexts, using their information and research competence to stay professionally updated in clinical neuropsychology.
• can critically analyze and communicate relevant research and master expressive forms within clinical neuropsychology.
• can independently investigate, diagnose, and treat neuropsychological conditions, and evaluate the effectiveness of initiated interventions.
• can apply their knowledge and skills independently to plan, implement, and evaluate various evidence-based therapeutic interventions for individuals with different neuropsychological conditions and cognitive difficulties, at the individual, family, and group levels.
• can apply their knowledge and skills to integrate research, clinical expertise, and the patient's characteristics and preferences to customize assessment and treatment.

General competence:

The student

• can analyze and critically engage with professional sources relevant to clinical neuropsychology and apply them to structure and articulate professional reasoning.
• can analyze and critically engage with complex professional questions, various roles and possibilities in addressing different types of neuropsychological issues, and in the collaboration and task distribution across service levels.
• can apply knowledge of mental health and cognitive functioning to assess resources and risk factors in a defined population.
• has in-depth knowledge of planning and implementing measures that promote work participation and good occupational health for individuals with cognitive difficulties.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and seminar

Compulsory assignments

• 80% attendance

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

All courses must be passed: PSYK4600, PSYK4601, PSYK4602, PSYK4603, PSYK4604, PSYPRO4600, PSYPRO4601, PSYPRO4602, PSYPRO4603, PSYPRO4604 

The class will be divided into two this semester. One group will take the PSYPRO4605 and PSYPRO4606, the second group PSYPRO4505 and perspective course, and reverse the following semester.

Credit reductions