Psychology (PSYC) 451

Overview

Psychology 451: Human Neuropsychology examines the neural substrates of human behaviour, including neuroanatomy, major methods in human brain research, neurological disorders, neurobehavioural disorders, and classic neuropsychological syndromes.

Outline

Part I: Background

• Unit 1: The Development of Neuropsychology
• Unit 2: Research on the Origins of the Human Brain and Behaviour
• Unit 3: Nervous System Organization
• Unit 4: The Structure and Electrical Activity of Neurons
• Unit 5: Communication between Neurons
• Unit 6: The Influence of Drugs and Hormones on Behaviour
• Unit 7: Imaging the Brain’s Activity

Part II: Cortical Organization

• Unit 8: Organization of the Sensory Systems
• Unit 9: Organization of the Motor System
• Unit 10: Principles of Neurocortical Function
• Unit 11: Cerebral Asymmetry
• Unit 12: Variations in Cerebral Asymmetry

Part III: Cortical Functions

• Unit 13: The Occipital Lobes
• Unit 14: The Parietal Lobes
• Unit 15: The Temporal Lobes
• Unit 16: The Frontal Lobes
• Unit 17: Cortical Networks and Disconnection Syndromes

Part IV: Higher Functions

• Unit 18: Learning and Memory
• Unit 19: Language
• Unit 20: Emotion and the Social Brain
• Unit 21: Spatial Behaviour
• Unit 22: Attention and Consciousness

Part V: Plasticity and Disorders

• Unit 23: Brain Development and Plasticity
• Unit 24: Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Unit 25: Plasticity, Recovery, and Rehabilitation of the Adult Brain
• Unit 26: Neurological Disorders
• Unit 27: Psychiatric and Related Disorders
• Unit 28: Neuropsychological Assessment

Evaluation

To receive credit for the course, you must complete and submit all the assignments and quizzes and write the final exam. You must receive a grade of 50 percent or better on the final exam and a composite course grade of at least D (50 percent). The weighting of assignments is as follows:

The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.

Materials

Physical course materials

The following course materials are included in a course package that will be shipped to your home prior to your course’s start date:

Kolb, B., & Whishaw, I. Q. (2021). Fundamentals of human neuropsychology (8th ed.). Worth Publishers.

Other Materials

All other course materials are available online, including a Study Guide covering the entire course.

Challenge for credit

Overview

The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.

Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.

Evaluation

To receive credit for the PSYC 451 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on the exam and a composite grade of D (50 percent).

Important links

• Academic advising
• Program planning
• Request assistance
• Support services at AU