Peter G. Como, Ph.D. (Instructor)
Medical Center Office: Room 5-5221
Medical Center Phone: 585-275-8726
Jennifer Blender, Ph.D. (Teaching Assistant)
Office hours: by appointment (email J. Blender to schedule)
Textbook (required)
Differential Diagnosis in Adult Neuropsychological Assessment. Joseph J. Ricker: Springer, 2004
Additional Required Readings
Other required readings are accessed via the Blackboard site under the Course Materials tab under PDF files. Click on the
appropriate icons to access course reserves and presentations (e.g., powerpoint slides, lecture notes, etc).
General Overview
This course will introduce the student to the field of clinical neuropsychology, which bridges the domains of neurology,
neuroscience and clinical psychology. It begins with a general overview and history of clinical neuropsychology. Then, principles
of neuropsychological assessment and the assessment and interpretation of specific cognitive domains and the neuropsychological
tests used to assess these domains will be discussed. The remainder of the course will be "syndrome" oriented and will focus on
specific neurological syndromes including: neurodegenerative disorders, epilepsy, head trauma, infectious processes, pediatric
neuropsychology, psychiatric syndromes, and forensic neuropsychology. In addition to conventional course instruction (e.g.,
lectures, readings), patient presentations (videotape and in-person interviews) will be used.
Some of the information covered in the textbook will not be directly discussed in the classroom. Therefore, it is your
responsibility to read all of the assigned chapters and readings. You will be examined on this material.
Grading
Grades will be determined from four examinations. Due to the size of the class, there will be no term paper or "extra
credit" paper. Examinations consist of multiple choice, short essay questions and 1-2 long essays. The material on the exams
will be determined from we cover in class AND reading assignments. The examinations are not cumulative, but you are expected
to understand the basic concepts from previous lectures.