Unit outline_

BACH2142: Cognitive Neuropsychology

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Students acquire knowledge of normal cognition and the cognitive neuropsychological approach to brain-behaviour relationships and cognitive processes; the cognitive and behavioural consequences of brain damage and models of cognitive rehabilitation.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Communication Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
HSBH1003 or BACH1165 or PSYC1001 or PSYC1002
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Elise Bogart, elise.bogart@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam
? 
Final Exam
Two hour written exam comprising short answer questions
40% Formal exam period 2 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test Early Feedback Task
Multiple choice quiz
5% Week 03
Due date: 18 Aug 2025 at 09:30
20 minutes AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Presentation group assignment Oral presentation
Prerecorded clinical case presentation (completed with a pair)
25% Week 06
Due date: 12 Sep 2025 at 23:59
10 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Written work Written assignment
Critical evaluation of a statement relating to rehabilitation
30% Week 11
Due date: 24 Oct 2025 at 23:59
1500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO7 LO8
group assignment = group assignment ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Unless an application for special consideration or special arrangement has been approved, students must submit all assessment for a unit of study on the due date specified in the unit of study outline. If the assessment is completed or submitted within an approved period of extension by way of an approved special consideration application, academic plan adjustment or informal simple extension (approved in writing), no academic penalty will be applied to that piece of assessment. If an assessment is submitted after the due date (or extended due date as described above), the late submission of assessment will result in an academic penalty as follows: 1. Written work submitted electronically after 11.59 pm on the due date will be considered to have been submitted late. 2. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded. Note, all assessments must be submitted in order to be eligible to pass the unit otherwise an AF (Absent Fail) grade will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to cognitive neuropsychology Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO8 LO9
Week 02 Disorders and rehabilitation of language 1 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8 LO9
Week 03 Disorders and rehabilitation of language 2 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8 LO9
Week 04 Disorders and rehabilitation of perception Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 05 Disorders and rehabilitation of attention 1 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 06 Disorders and rehabilitation of attention 2 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 07 Disorders and rehabilitation of memory 1 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8 LO9
Week 08 Disorders and rehabilitation of memory 2 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 09 Revision and consolidation Independent study (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 10 Disorders and rehabilitation of executive functioning 1 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8 LO9
Week 11 Disorders and rehabilitation of executive functioning 2 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 12 Disorders and rehabilitation of social cognition Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8 LO9
Week 13 Clinical application in cognitive neuropsychology Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9

Attendance and class requirements

All lectures and tutorials are in-person.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas. 

Ward, J., & ProQuest. (2020). The student’s guide to cognitive neuroscience (Fourth edition.). Routledge.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. explain the key assumptions, terminology and methodologies of cognitive neuroscience and cognitive neuropsychology
  • LO2. interpret patterns of impaired linguistic performance with reference to models of language processing
  • LO3. interpret patterns of impaired cognitive performance with reference to models of perception, attention, memory, executive function and social-emotional processing
  • LO4. relate impaired cognitive or linguistic performance to underlying neuroanatomy and neurophysiology
  • LO5. infer impaired cognitive and linguistic performance for varied neuropathological conditions
  • LO6. apply models of cognitive neuropsychology as a basis for understanding cognitive and linguistic assessment, prognosis and outcomes
  • LO7. develop solutions for rehabilitation of cognitive and linguistic impairments with reference to models of cognitive neuropsychology
  • LO8. demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills
  • LO9. work effectively as part of a team for the assignments and class activities

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
LO2
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
LO3
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
LO4
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
LO5
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.2. Assess communication and swallowing needs
LO6
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.2. Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols
1.3. Provide safe and quality services
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.2. Assess communication and swallowing needs
3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
3.4. Plan speech pathology intervention or service response
LO7
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.2. Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols
1.3. Provide safe and quality services
1.6. Consider the needs of individuals and communities in clinical decision-making and practice
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.1. Develop shared understanding of speech pathology
3.4. Plan speech pathology intervention or service response
LO8
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.4. Collaborate with individuals, their supports, our colleagues and the community
1.5. Maintain high standards of communication, information sharing and record keeping
1.7. Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing
2.1. Demonstrate self-awareness
2.2. Use critical reflection to inform professional development and practice
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
LO9
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.5. Maintain high standards of communication, information sharing and record keeping
2.1. Demonstrate self-awareness
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
2.6. Engage in learning with colleagues, students and the community
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 A Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.2 A Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols
1.3 A Provide safe and quality services
1.4 A Collaborate with individuals, their supports, our colleagues and the community
1.5 A Maintain high standards of communication, information sharing and record keeping
1.6 A Consider the needs of individuals and communities in clinical decision-making and practice
1.7 A Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing
2.1 A Demonstrate self-awareness
2.2 A Use critical reflection to inform professional development and practice
2.5 A Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
2.6 A Engage in learning with colleagues, students and the community
3.1 A Develop shared understanding of speech pathology
3.2 A Assess communication and swallowing needs
3.3 A Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
3.4 A Plan speech pathology intervention or service response
3.5 A Implement and evaluate intervention or service response

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The assessment has been updated to incorporate opportunity for a 5% weighted early feedback task and the paired presentation has been reduced to 25%. The teaching content schedule has also been adjusted based on student feedback.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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