Neuropsychology and Neuroethics

Recommended Prerequisites

None.

Teaching Methods

Two methodologies will be employed during the course: (1) oral presentations of theoretical content; (2) developing core knowledge through readings of scientific articles; (3) analysis and discussion of clinical cases. Assessment methods include theoretical exam (100%). 

Learning Outcomes

- Introduce the methodological bases of neuropsychology, including basic knowledge in neuropsychological assessment and neuropsychological tests.

- Understand how different processes (mainly cognitive, but also affective and emotional processes) are important to characterize different neurological disorders.

- Critically assess neuropsychology potentialities and limitations to study brain functions, psychological processes and behavior relationhips.

- Know the neuroethics challenges and issues.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

I. Neuropsychological assessment and neuropsychological tests. Components and psychometric foundations for the interpretation of neuropsychological test results.

II. Attention and consciousness, memory and learning, language, executive functions, visuospatial/visuoconstructional skiils and motor praxis, affect, emotions and mood in neurological disorders (e.g. mild cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury and postconcussion, cerebrovascular disease, multiple sclerosis).

III. Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation in special populations.

IV. Neuroethical issues: personal identity/brain identity, neuroimaging technologies, neuromodelation, cognitive enhancement, preclinical detection of neurodegenerative conditions, pain, brain death.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Manuela Pereira Vilar

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Bowden, S.C. (Ed.) (2017). Neuropsychological assessment in the age of evidence-based practice: Diagnostic and treatment evaluations. New York: Oxford University Press.

Gligorov, N. (2016). Neuroethics and the revision of common sense. New York: Springer.

Gurd, J., Kischka, U., & Marshall, J. (Eds.) (2011). The handbook of clinical neuropsychology (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.

Kolb, B., & Whishaw, I. Q. (2015). Fundamentals of human neuropsychology. New York: Worth Publishers.

Illes, J. (Eds.) (2017). Neuroethics: Antecipating the future. New York: Oxford University Press.

Morgan, , J. E., & Riker, J. H. (Eds.) (2018). Textbook of clinical neuropsychology (2nd ed.). New York: Taylor & Francis.

Schoenberg, M. R., & Scott, J. G. (Eds.) (2011). The little black book of neuropsychology: A syndrome-based approach. New York: Springer.