BSc Psychology

This course unit builds upon the neuropsychological topics introduced in First and Second Year.

This unit will take the following approach: a neuropsychological disorder or phenomenon will be described and the methods for investigating this will be explored. The implications for both models of normal function and for treating patients with such disorders will then be considered. As well as drawing on neuropsychological evidence, experimental and cognitive neuroscience findings from healthy people will be covered where relevant. Topics may vary, but will be likely to include: What do phantom limbs tell us about representation of the body? Can alien hand syndrome tell us about free will?

The course is an optional Final Year course unit for the BSc (Hons) Psychology. 

Building on previous knowledge the unit aims to:

• Extend students’ knowledge of clinical neuropsychology as a methodology.
• Show how findings from patients can contribute to our understanding of perception and cognition, as well as leading to better treatments for patients with such disorders.
• Enable students’ discussion and evaluation of contemporary research, in particular through producing arguments in essays and through reading groups. 

There will be 11 x 2 hour lectures, 10 x 1 hour seminars (involving discussions, activities and groupwork) and 9 x 1 hour reading groups (looking at relevant papers). 

E-learning provision: Lecture content, supplementary reading and resources (e.g. videos), and a monitored discussion board will be provided via Canvas.  

Feedback will be provided on the coursework essay before the exam. 

• Identify different areas where neuropsychology has been used to advance cognitive theories
• Recognise the contribution of historical and cutting edge research in the field of cognitive neuropsychology
• Describe how neuropsychological findings can be complemented by experimental and cognitive neuroscience methods
• Describe knowledge of the field of clinical neuropsychology 

• Evaluate the methods used to investigate patients
• Evaluate research design and methodology in a research paper
• Analyse how neuropsychological data is used to support theoretical models of perception and cognition 

• Construct an argument or debate in a written assessment  
• Independently gather and organise primary research evidence from relevant databases
• Discuss empirical findings with others within a small group context
• Apply knowledge and evidence to a scenario-based problem 

See Assessment Methods

There will not be a single recommended text book as the core course material will be relevant and recent journal articles. Some examples of references covered in the course:

• Assal, F., Schwartz, S., & Vuilleumier, P. (2007). Moving with or without will: functional neural correlates of alien hand syndrome. Annals of Neurology, 62:301-306. 
• Funk, M et al. (2005). Hand movement observation by individuals born without hands: phantom limb experience constrains visual limb perception. Experimental Brain Research, 164:341-346. 
• Ramachandran VS, Hirstein W (1998). The perception of phantom limbs: the D.O. Hebb lecture. Brain, 121: 1603-1630.
• Sacks, Oliver W. (1985). The man who mistook his wife for a hat. Duckworth. ISBN: 0715620673
• Bermúdez, José Luis; Marcel, A. J; Eilan, Naomi. (1995). The body and the self. MIT Press. ISBN: 0262023865
• Cole, Jonathan. (2016). Losing touch : a man without his body. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780191834608
• Cole, Jonathan. (2016). Losing touch: a man without his body. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780198778875
• Cole, Jonathan; Morrison, India; Perini, Irene; Olausson, Håkan. (2016). Insights from A-Beta or C-Fibre Denervated Subjects. In “Affective Touch and the Neurophysiology of CT Afferents.” Springer New York. ISBN: 9781493964161
• Cole, Jonathan. (1995). Pride and a daily marathon. MIT Press. ISBN: 0262032333
• Gallagher, Shaun. (2005). How the body shapes the mind. Clarendon Press. ISBN: 0199271941