Main Field of Study and progress level:
Psychology: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Psychology
Revised by: Head of Department of Psychology, 2012-06-04
Contents
The course aims at providing basic knowledge and skills regarding the anatomy and
function of the central and peripheral nervous systems, and how phenomenon within a
psychobiological frame of reference can be investigated. The methods of investigation
include neuropsychological tests, brain imaging techniques and measurement of neural
activity. Areas dealt with in the course are elementary neuroanatomy, plasticity and
laterality, and structural and functional subsystems such as motor and sensory systems,
memory, consciousness, language and emotions from a psychobiological perspective. In
summary, the course refers to basic neuropsychological and neurophysiological processes of
relevance for human behaviour.
Part 1: Basic Structure and Function of the Brain (7.5 hp)
This part of the course aims at providing basic theoretical knowledge of the
anatomy/structure of the brain and its relation to psychological function and behaviour.
Part 2: In-dept project: Neuropsychological Test Methods and Applications (7.5 hp)
This course part provides in-depth knowledge of a well-defined area of neuropsychology,
chosen by the student, focused on a neuropathological condition and/or deviation related
to acquired or inborn brain damage. Additionally, neuropsychological tests methods and
applications for investigating neural activity and brain pathological will be illuminated and
demonstrated through this part.
Expected learning outcomes
Part 1: Basic Structure and Function of the Brain (7.5 hp)
After the course part the student will be able to:
account for and interpret the overall anatomical, structural and functional
subsystems and related behavior,
identify and describe structures of the nervous system from anatomical models,
discuss and explain relations between the function of the single neuron and higher
central nervous functions that determine our behavioral repertoire.
Part 2: In-dept project: Neuropsychological Test Methods and Applications (7.5 hp)
After the course part the student will be able to:
describe and present in an elaborated and reflecting manner a well-defined neuropsychological
phenomenon, deviation or psychopathological condition from a
psychobiological perspective,
account for and describe neuropsychological methods and techniques, the
information they generate and related ethical considerations.
Required Knowledge
Univ: 90 credits (hp) in psychology, medicine, health science or related subjects.Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section). Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
Form of instruction
The teaching forms include lectures, seminars, laboratory exercises, group discussions,
demonstrations, and group supervision.
Examination modes
The examination includes written examination, active participation in seminars, oral group
exercises, written and oral presentation of project work, and active participation in group
discussions and group supervision. The grading scale includes failed, passed, and passed
with distinction. A student who has failed twice on an examination can request from the
Board of Undergraduate Studies in Psychology that another teacher is appointed to grade
the project work. The student is entitled 5 examinations within two years after the first
registration occasion. To pass the entire course all tests and compulsory parts must have
been passed. The grade is an integrated judgement of the results from all examination parts,
and is given when all parts have been passed.
Other regulations
Crediting will be tested on an individual basis. The application should be sent by the
student to the university registry (Registrator, Umeå universitet, 901 87 Umeå) that will
provide a registration number. The application will thereafter be sent to the responsible
department. The responsible Study Director will decide on credit transfer of a course/
course part. The application should contain information about referred course or course
part. Confirmed copies of course certificate or corresponding certificate should be included,
in which information about educational establishment, date, subject area, level and number
of credits in provided. In addition, the application should include the course syllabus and
literature list for the course/course part, and, when appropriate, a copy of the project
report.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
