Many people experience cognitive difficulties due to disease, brain damage or the onset of a mental health problem – which can make life extremely challenging. Neuropsychology is a combination of psychology and neuroscience and it offers insights into how impairments can manifest through behaviour and thinking. This course is ideal for those working in psychology, psychotherapy, health and biological sciences, teaching, research or psychiatric nursing.
The Introduction to Neuropsychology is an online professional development program that will develop your understanding of the way a person’s personality, behaviour and thought processes are affected by neurobiological processes, as well as the changes that can occur due to brain damage.
In this online neuropsychology course, you will explore the foundations of neuropsychology, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, neurodevelopment and neuroplasticity and brain damage.
You will also study the different kinds of dementia; laterality and callosal syndrome; and perception, language and motor and speech disorders.
On completion of this course, you will have an in-depth understanding of the brain and how damage through injury, disease, disorders and congenital conditions can affect its functioning and behaviour.
Course Structure
Unit - Neuropsychology
Unit 1 – Foundations of Neuropsychology
- What is neuropsychology?
- The information Processing approach
- Experimental neuropsychology
- Clinical neuropsychology
- Cognitive Neuropsychology
- Studying the human mind
- Techniques used
- Brain scans (CAT and PET MRI scans)
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Electromyogram (EMG)
- Animal studies
- Other methods of investigating the brain
- Ablations and Lesions and Brain Damage
- Electrical Stimulation of the brain
- Clinical Dementia Rating
- Glasgow Coma Scale/Score
- The Benton Visual Retention Test
- Continuous Performance Test/Task
- The Stroop Test
- Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
Unit 2 – Neurophysiology
- The nervous system
- Neurons
- Sensory neurons
- Parts of a neuron
- Motor neurons
- Dendrites, axon, synapse and myelin sheath
- Neurotransmitters
- Nerve impulse
- Neurotransmitters and their effects
- Endorphins
- Disorders associated with neurotransmitters
- Glia cells
- Schwann cells
- Nerve impulse
- Synaptic transmission
- Nerve impulse
- Neuromuscular transmission
Unit 3 – Neuroanatomy
- Anatomy of nervous system
- Parts of the central nervous system (CNS)
- The mid brain and forebrain
- The spinal cord
- Cerebrospinal fluid
- Spinal nerves and spinal curves
- Spinal tracts
- Blood brain barrier
- Peripheral nervous system
- Autonomic nervous system
- Somatic nervous system
- Spinal nerves and cranial nerves
- Function of the nervous system
- Learning, Memory and Intelligence
- Movement
- Bodily functions and senses
- Problems with brain functioning
- Cerebral palsy
- Brain tumours
- Head injuries
- Epilepsy
- Headaches
- Mental illness
- Meningitis and encephalitis
Unit 4 – Laterality and Callosal Syndromes
- Brain hemispheres
- Brain laterization
- General hemisphere function
- Left handedness
- Cognitive neuropsychology
- Callosal syndrome
- Split brain syndrome
- Disease disconnection
- Lobotomy
- Dual brain theory
Unit 5 – Cognition, Personality and Emotion
- Neurobiological processes
- A case study in brain damage and emotion
- Frontal lobe
- New research on memory
- The limbic system
- Neurotransmitters and effect of the body
- Neuropsychology and emotions research
Unit 6 – Perception Disorders
- Hemispatial neglect
- Causes of hemispatial neglect
- Types of hemispatial neglect
- Auditory perceptual disorder
- Agnosia
- Visual agnosia
- Types of visual agnosia
- Prosopagnosia
- Simultanagnosia
- Optic aphasia
- Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder
Unit 7 – Motor Disorders
- Hyperkinesia and hypotonia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Motor disorders resulting from traumatic brain injury
- Non traumatic and/or genetic paediatric movement disorders
- Cerebral palsy
- Multifocal motor neuropathy
- Gerstmann’s syndrome
- Apraxia
- Motor skills disorder
- Motor coordination disorder
- Motion dyspraxia
- Neural transplants and Parkinson’s disease
- Gene therapy
- How does gene therapy work
- Ethical issues surrounding gene therapy
Unit 8 – Language
- Language functions
- Broca’s area
- Wernicke’s area
- Speech
- Language
- Speech and language disorders
- Apraxia
- Aphasia
- Stuttering
- Neurogenic stuttering
- Troyer syndrome
Unit 9 – Dementia
- Neurocognitive deficits with dementia (NCD)
- Kinds of dementia
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Vascular Dementia
- Multi-infarct Dementia
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Pick’s Disease
- Dementia with Lewy Bodies
- Huntingdon’s Disease
- Pseudo-Dementia
- Spotting dementia and other conditions
Unit 10 – Neurodevelopment
- Neuroplasticity
- Major processes of neurodevelopment
- Neurogenesis
- Migration
- Differentiation
- Apoptosis
- Aborisation
- Synaptogenesis
- Synaptogenesis
- Synaptic sculpting
- Myelination
- Asperger syndrome
- Abnormal neurodevelopment
- Autism spectrum disorder – Asperger Syndrome
- Neuroplasticity and brain damage
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
Great to be able to study at my own pace. Online content was easily accessible and interesting.
K. Willins, Theodore, ACT | Certificate of Neuropsychology
This course has broadened my understanding of neurological disorders and it’s association to the nervous system. Easy to understand information, quick tutor response and feedback.
Lauretta | Hanoi, Vietnam | Introduction to Neuropsychology
Easy to access, tutors were lovely, very supportive and encouraging. I had to extend my course, and it was super easy to do. Thank you
Isobelle | Edwardstown, SA | Introduction to Neuropsychology
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional development for those working in:
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy
- Biological sciences
- Health sciences
- Psychiatric nursing
- Health professionals
- Teaching
- Research
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