PSY6163 Neuropsychological assessment
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
PSY6163 Neuropsychological assessment is a level 6, 0-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2027 in Semester 2 at Notting Hill. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 0
- Offered in 2027
- Semester 2
- Notting Hill
- Assessment
- No exam
- 2 tasks
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Overview
Building on your foundational knowledge of brain–behaviour relationships and general psychological assessment skills, this unit develops core competencies in adult clinical neuropsychological assessment. You will be trained in the use of a comprehensive range of neuropsychological assessment tools and guided in how to flexibly apply assessment approaches in line with your professional role and the individual needs of each client.
You will learn to integrate assessment findings to develop coherent neuropsychological formulations that explain clients’ cognitive and behavioural difficulties, inform diagnosis, and guide intervention planning and ongoing management. Throughout the unit, emphasis is placed on maintaining therapeutic relationships during the assessment process and on effectively communicating assessment findings to clients and other relevant stakeholders through various means.
Training is delivered through a blended learning approach. Asynchronous activities support initial knowledge development, followed by skill‑based learning in live seminars and post‑seminar practice activities. Case‑based learning is prioritised across teaching and assessment tasks to support competency development, and reflective practice activities are incorporated to strengthen your critical thinking skills and emerging professional identity.
Offerings in 2027
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Notting Hill | On campus |
Assessment
- Mid-Semester Case-Based AssignmentWrittenCompetency hurdle-
- End of Semester Case-Based AssignmentWrittenCompetency hurdle-
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Evaluate clinical referrals and tailor assessment approaches most appropriate to neuropsychologist’s role and client presentation, across the lifespan and in culturally responsive ways.
- 2
Use evidence-based assessment methods, such as file review, observational/interviewing techniques and formal psychometric tools to flexibly and effectively evaluate client neuropsychological status.
- 3
Administer and interpret neuropsychological measures, considering psychometric principles, associated cognitive-emotional-behavioural processes, and contextual factors.
- 4
Consider functional implications of neuropsychological impairments as they relate to participation in meaningful daily activities and life roles.
- 5
Through integration of assessment results, develop tailored biopsychosocial formulations that effectively explain client neuropsychological status, inform diagnosis and guide ongoing management/rehabilitation.
- 6
Appraise and manage limitations of neuropsychological assessments in diverse and vulnerable populations through use of critical evaluation and reflective practice.
- 7
Communicate verbal and written feedback and recommendations to key stakeholders (e.g., clients, families, treating clinicians) adapted to individual needs, and aligned with evidence-based practices.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops4 hours
- Seminars24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
Total per week = 4 hours
1 hour of preparatory “Own-time” teacher directed study.
2 hours of “Real-time” live seminar.
1 hour of follow up “Wrap-up” teacher directed study.
One additional 4-hour workshop on clinical interviewing will be scheduled within the first 4 weeks of semester.
It is expected that trainees will independently practice administration, scoring and interpretation of core psychometric tests in preparation of their first clinical placement. Resources and practical guidance to support this process will be provided throughout the semester.
For full details of teaching approach to this unit, please refer to Moodle
Learning resources
Required resources
See Moodle for details about required resources.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Rene Stolwyk
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Rene Stolwyk
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PSY6163?
PSY6163 has no prerequisites.
When is PSY6163 offered?
In 2027, PSY6163 runs in Semester 2 at Notting Hill.
Does PSY6163 have an exam?
No. PSY6163 has 2 assessment tasks and no exam.