Outline

Overview

This unit aims to integrate neuropsychology and health psychology to understand the psychological implications of health disorders/disabilities across the lifespan. The health psychology component will examine the relationships between psychological and physical functioning across a range of medical disorders and the way in which cognitive and behavioural factors influence psychological and physical functioning of those with health-related problems. This component of the course will be concerned with theories and interventions that improve quality of life for people with medical problems. The course will aim to investigate theories and practice in the areas of adjustment to illness, working with patients and their families with chronic illness and dealing with death and dying. The neuropsychology component of this unit of study will introduce students to core neuropsychological concepts in the common disorders that involve the central nervous system. The course aims to develop students’ understanding of functional brain organisation, recovery of function, core neuropsychological syndromes and rehabilitation. Lectures will include theoretical components, case presentations, informed by a research evidence base and discussions.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	PSYC6084
Academic unit	Psychology Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	PSYC6083
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jemma Todd, jemma.todd@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Neuropsychology presentation and critical review Group in-class presentation (week 3 & 6) 500 word critical review	0%	Week 03 Due date: 17 Aug 2022 at 23:59	30 minute presentation + 500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Health assignment Essay	0%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2022 at 23:59	750 words
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment with individually assessed component ?

Assessment summary

Health and Neuropsychology Assignments: The assessments ask you to apply knowledge that has been gained from health and neuropsychology lectures from within the course.

Assessment criteria

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

Result name	Mark Range	Description
Pass with Merit	PM	The material or clinical practice substantially exceeds the expected level of competence for the stage of training. Reserved for work of an exceptionally high standard that demonstrates independent thought, originality and comprehensive knowledge of the subject area. In order to be awarded a ‘Pass with Merit’, a student needs to perform in the top 10% of students.
Pass	P	The material or clinical practice meets the expected level of competence for the stage of training. A pass is considered to signify work that is of a good to very good standard, according to the relevant expectations.
Meet with Marker	MEET	The written material or clinical practice demonstrates some misunderstanding or a minor deficiency in level of competence. The student must meet with the examiner to discuss the problems with the work. If the marker is satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, the work is given a pass. Alternatively, the student may be required to resubmit or repeat the work.
Resubmit	RE	The written material or clinical practice does not meet the required competency. The student must resubmit or repeat the work within a period of time determined by the CPU and the work will be re-marked. Resubmitted or repeated work that on this basis fails to meet the required competency will then be marked independently by a second marker, and a third marker if the two initial markers disagree. Work that is deemed to have failed to meet course requirements by two markers will be assigned a Fail.
Fail	F	The written material or clinical practice is of a sufficiently low standard, or demonstrates unethical or dangerous practice. Any piece of written work that is marked with Fail will be marked independently by a second marker, and by a third marker if the two initial markers disagree. Where required, the three markers meet to decide upon a final mark to be awarded. Work that is deemed to have failed to meet course requirements by two markers will be assigned a Fail. In most cases, written assessments and clinical practice assessments examine core clinical competencies, and the Fail mark will result in the Unit of Study being failed. case report, the student fails the Unit of Study and is required to repeat and re-enrol in that Unit of Study. Any Unit of Study that the student is deemed to have failed will have to be repeated, and the student will be required to re-enrol in that Unit of Study. Students are only eligible to repeat Units of Study once.

For more information see guide to grades.

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:

Late penalties If you do not submit an assessment by the due date, and do not have an approved special consideration application, late penalties will apply. The following penalties apply for any assessment submitted late without an extension approved through special consideration: Less than 1 week late > Meet with Marker (MEET) Requirement: Student to meet with Unit Coordinator plus either Director of Clinical Training or Head of the Clinical Psychology Unit. 1-2 weeks late > Resubmit (RE) Requirement: Student to complete a new piece of work and resubmit within one week (eg. new assignment or new case report or new research report). Unit Coordinator to provide new assignment question or instructions. 2 weeks late > Fail (F) Requirement: Result reported as Fail for unit of study on student academic transcript.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Neuropsychology Introduction to neuropsychology, brain development, functional brain organization (Lah)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Neuropsychology Traumatic Brain Injury (Adult): Mechanism, sequelae, recovery of functions, clinical services (Lah)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Neuropsychology Traumatic Brain Injury (Child): Mechanism, sequelae, recovery of functions, clinical services (Lah)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Neuropsychology: Dementia (Kumfor)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Neuropsychology Epilepsy (Adult): Neuropsychological features and evaluation (Lah)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Neuropsychology Epilepsy (Child): Impact on development (Lah)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Neuropsychology Neuropsychological rehabilitation (Lah / Mowszowski)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Health: Introduction to Health Psychology; Managing health behaviour and increasing adherence; Adjustment to Illness (Todd)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Health: Empirically validated treatments for managing anxiety in the context of ill health (Todd)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Health: Empirically validated treatments for managing depression in the context of ill health (Todd)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Health: Pain and pain management (Todd)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Health: Treating fear of cancer recurrence; Palliative care; Working with carers (Todd)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Health: Sleep and working with older adults (Todd)	Lecture (3 hr)

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.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. understand how ill health and neuropsychological difficulties affect the core principles and theoretical models that underpin current evidence-based practice with socially and culturally diverse clients
LO2. develop advanced knowledge of the relevant current theories, principles, approaches, and practices of health psychology, informed by a research evidence base
LO3. formulate conceptualisations of presenting issues that include the impact of physical ill health on psychological processes and mental ill health
LO4. develop advanced knowledge of the relevant current theories, principles, approaches, and practices of neuropsychology, informed by a research evidence base
LO5. formulate conceptualisations of presenting issues that include the impact of neuropsychological difficulties on cognitive and psychological processes
LO6. implement appropriate, empirically supported interventions, and monitor clients’ progress and intervention outcomes
LO7. work effectively with a range of professional and support staff and communicate effectively, within the bounds of ethical and legal requirements

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Assignment split into health and neuropsychology due to student feedback.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Disclaimer

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

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PSYC6084: Health and Neuropsychology

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect