Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 25/26.P.1.00

Description Period: 2025./26 academic year pavasara semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Neuropsychology

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_079
Branch of Science
General Psychology; Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Agnese Ušacka
Structure Unit Manager
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts

Riga, Dzirciema Street, vppk@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

The aim of the study course is to promote students’ understanding of the interconnectedness of the brain and psychological processes, to develop the ability to analyse disorders of higher-order psychological functions and to reasonably explain their neurobiological mechanisms, as well as to learn basic principles for neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation.

Preliminary Knowledge

Psychophysiology, biological bases of psyche, basic principles of psychological assessment.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.explain the basic principles of neuropsychology and their role in human psychology;

2.describe the localisation of the higher-order psychological functions in the brain and the neurobiological mechanisms of the disorder;

3.describes the basic principles of neuropsychological research and rehabilitation, linking them to modern insights from neuropsychology.

Skills

1.analyse neuropsychological syndromes and their symptoms;

2.link impairment in cognitive functions with the corresponding brain structures;

3.apply knowledge of neuropsychology in the case analysis;

4.interpret the results obtained in the case analysis and formulate conclusions on the possibilities for psychological inteventions.

Competences

1.Students integrate neuropsychological knowledge by formulating reasoned conclusions on the nature of brain impairment and its impact on human behaviour;

2.assess the impact of cognitive and emotional disorders resulting from brain injury on human behaviour and functioning;

3.develop and justify a psychological assistance plan in accordance with the needs of a brain injury patient.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work
60.00% from total grade
10 points

Students analyze one neuropsychological case, describing a patient’s cognitive impairment, its relationship to certain regions of the brain, appropriate neuropsychological tests and rehabilitation approaches. The work should include introduction, methods (patient description and justification for selected tests), expected results and discussion. The work is prepared individually in the amount of 1500 words and submitted electronically to the Turnitin system.

Evaluation criteria:

  • Knowledge and understanding of the chosen topic (40%) – a correct explanation of cognitive functions and brain mechanisms, was able to link theory to the case description.
  • Relevance of choice and interpretation of neuropsychological tests (40%) – selected appropriate instruments, justified thier use and description of expected results are plausible.
  • Structure and design of the work (20%) – logical structure, academic style, correct use references and presentation of the overall work meets the requirements.

Assessment levels:

  • 8-10: complete and accurate analysis, scientific sources used, theoretical and practical aspects linked justifiably; the design of the work meets all requirements.
  • 4-7: partially accurate analysis or incomplete interpretation of the tests; important clarifications are required in the theoretical part or presentation.
  • 1-3: there is a lack of conceptual understanding, a flawed selection of tests or an understatement of work.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination
40.00% from total grade
10 points

Students individually take a written examination paper with 20 open-type questions about the theoretical and practical material acquired in the course. The examination will take place in person, without the to use additional materials. Questions will cover basic principles of neuropsychology, localisation of psychological functions, disorders and their neurobiological mechanisms.

Evaluation criteria:

  • level of knowledge and understanding (40%) – precise presentation of concepts and mechanisms of neuropsychology, ability to link theory to examples.
  • Analysis and reasoning skills (40%): ability to analyse issues logically and reasonably, to draw conclusions.
  • Answer structure and academic expression type (20%) – answers clear, structured, terminologically correct.

Assessment levels:

  • 8-10 balls: answers complete, justified, with precise terminology and theoretical depth; reasoned analysis.
  • 4-7 balls: answers partially accurate, incompletely reasoned or lacking consistency.
  • 1-3 balls: insufficient comprehension, flawed explanations or piecemeal answers.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Introduction to the course. Basic principles of neuropsychology, its history, research and current affairs.
Description

Abstract: definition and development of the concept of neuropsychology. Neuropsychology in science and practice, research methods and evaluation methods in neuropsychology.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Structure of the nervous system. Functional asymmetry of the brain.
Description

Abstract: structure of NS and relationship of CNS activity to psychological phenomena. Neurons, their biochemical activity and neuroglia. Areas of the brain and their function. GS lateralization - anatomical and cognitive asymmetry in the brain.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Brain development. Plasticity and developmental disorders.
Description

Abstract: neurodevelopment in the prenatal and postnatal period. Correlation of neurodevelopmental stages to the development of motor, sensory and cognitive functions. Environmental factors that infuence development and neurodevelopmental disorders.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Brain and cognitive ageing. Neurocognitive impairment.
Description

Abstract: cognitive ageing in the various function domains. Structural and functional changes related to ageing. Neurocognitive impairment and its causes. Contributing and mitigating factors to cognitive ageing.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Neuroimaging methods and technologies in the research of psychological functions.
Description

Abstract: Sstructural and functional neurorimaging, methods, diversity and principles of studying the brain. A lecture with Inga Griškova-Bulanova (Vilnius university)

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Visual function in the occipital lobe and visual agnosia.
Description

Abstract: human visual system and characterization of the occipital lobe; visual impairment at various levels of the visual system; visual agnosia.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The parietal lobe of the cerebral cortex, its function; visual-spatial perception and navigation.
Description

Abstract: case studies of parietal lobe damage; anatomical characteristics and compounds of the parietal lobe; functions and disorders of the parietal lobe (agnosia and visual-spatial neglect).

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Temporal lobe of the cerebral cortex and its functions
Description

Abstract: temporal lobe structure and network connections; temporal lobe functions; functional asymmetry and damage.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex, its functions.
Description

Abstract: anatomical and functional characteristics of the frontal lobe; motor functions and executive functions in the prefrontal cortex; frontal lobe syndrome, its symptoms.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Basic principles of neuropsychological testing and neurorehabilitation
Description

Annotation: causes of brain damage, brain trauma epidemiology; life after brain damage and recovery; neuroplasticity after lesions; neurorehabilitation methods.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Case analysis
Description

Practical class in which students learn about case analysis in neuropsychology and find out the requirements and assessment criteria for the case analysis examination.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Neuropsychological assessment and cognitive testing.
Description

Practical class, where students learn about neuropsychological assessment, practise cognitive tests by evaluating themselves, and in pairs practise the Montreal cognitive assessment test.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

During the class, students learn about current research in neuropsychology and neurorehabilitation

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

During the class, students learn about current research in neuropsychology and neurorehabilitation

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

During the class, students take the open question written exam.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

During the class, students take the open question written exam.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Introduction to the course. Basic principles of neuropsychology, its history, research and current affairs.
Description

Abstract: definition and development of the concept of neuropsychology. Neuropsychology in science and practice, research methods and evaluation methods in neuropsychology.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Structure of the nervous system. Functional asymmetry of the brain.
Description

Abstract: structure of NS and relationship of CNS activity to psychological phenomena. Neurons, their biochemical activity and neuroglia. Areas of the brain and their function. GS lateralization - anatomical and cognitive asymmetry in the brain.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Brain development. Plasticity and developmental disorders.
Description

Abstract: neurodevelopment in the prenatal and postnatal period. Correlation of neurodevelopmental stages to the development of motor, sensory and cognitive functions. Environmental factors that infuence development and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Brain and cognitive ageing. Neurocognitive impairment.
Description

Abstract: cognitive ageing in the various function domains. Structural and functional changes related to ageing. Neurocognitive impairment and its causes. Contributing and mitigating factors to cognitive ageing.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Visual function in the occipital lobe and visual agnosia.
Description

Abstract: human visual system and characterization of the occipital lobe; visual impairment at various levels of the visual system; visual agnosia.
The parietal lobe of the cerebral cortex, its function; visual-spatial perception and navigation.
Description

Abstract: case studies of parietal lobe damage; anatomical characteristics and compounds of the parietal lobe; functions and disorders of the parietal lobe (agnosia and visual-spatial neglect).

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Temporal lobe of the cerebral cortex and its functions
Description

Abstract: temporal lobe structure and network connections; temporal lobe functions; functional asymmetry and damage.
The frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex, its functions.
Description

Abstract: anatomical and functional characteristics of the frontal lobe; motor functions and executive functions in the prefrontal cortex; frontal lobe syndrome, its symptoms.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Basic principles of neuropsychological testing and neurorehabilitation
Description

Annotation: causes of brain damage, brain trauma epidemiology; life after brain damage and recovery; neuroplasticity after lesions; neurorehabilitation methods.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Case analysis
Description

Practical class in which students learn about case analysis in neuropsychology and find out the requirements and assessment criteria for the case analysis examination.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Neuropsychological assessment and cognitive testing.
Description

Practical class, where students learn about neuropsychological assessment, practise cognitive tests by evaluating themselves, and in pairs practise the Montreal cognitive assessment test.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Practical class
Description

During the class, students take the open question written exam.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
18 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Kalat, J. W. (2024). Biological psychology. Cengage Learning.

2.

Kandel, E.R., Koester, J., Mack, S. & Siegelbaum, S. (Eds.). (2021) Principles of Neural Science (Sixth edition), McGraw Hill

3.

Banich, M. T. (2023). Cognitive Neuroscience/Marie T. Banich, Rebecca J. Compton.

4.

Cacioppo, J. T., Freberg, L., & Cacioppo, S. (2021). Discovering psychology: The science of mind. Cengage learning.

Additional Reading

1.

Eglīte, K. (2020). Anatomija. 2. daļa. LU Akadēmiskais apgāds.

2.

Goldstein, L. H., McNeil, J. E. (Eds) (2015). Clinical neuropsychology. A practical guide to assessment and management for clinicians (2nd edition).UK: Wiley-Blackwell.

3.

Littrell, J. (2015). Neuroscience for psychologists and other mental health professionals: Promoting well-being and treating mental illness. Springer Publishing Company.

4.

Tuokko, H. A., & Smart, C. M. (2018). Neuropsychology of cognitive decline: A developmental approach to assessment and intervention. Guilford Publications.

5.

Voita, D. (2015). Bioloģija un uzvedība. No Mārtinsone, K. & Miltuze, A. (red.). Psiholoģija 1. Pamatjautājumi – teorijas un pētījumi. (65 – 105). Zvaigzne ABC.

6.

Andrewes, D. (2015). Neuropsychology: From theory to practice. Psychology Press.

7.

Kolb, B., & Whishaw, I. Q. (2009). Fundamentals of human neuropsychology. Macmillan.

Other Information Sources

1.

Cullen, B, & Evans, J.J. (2014). Neuropsychology of memory function: a guide for clinicians. Social Care & Neurodisability, 5 (2), 91 – 101.