Cognitive Neuropsychology Stream
A project spearheaded by the Centre for Cognitive Health is the implementation of a Cognitive Neuropsychology Stream for our psychology students. We wish to acknowledge the financial contribution of Health Canada as part of the Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS)- Volet Collège Glendon de l’Université York in supporting the Cognitive Neuropsychology Stream (Specialized B.A./B.Sc.). Download our brochure (in PDF format)
What is Cognitive Neuropsychology?
Cognitive neuropsychology is the study of the relationship between the brain and behaviour. It places the emphasis on the structure and function of the brain relating to psychological processes like memory, attention, perception, and language.
Why Study Cognitive Neuropsychology at Glendon?
The Cognitive Neuropsychology Stream (Honours B.A/B.Sc.) is a great option for students interested in learning about the brain and how it changes as a result of development, damage or disease. We offer course options in English and/or French to accommodate the growing need for bilingual care in Southern Ontario. Students in our programs are at the forefront of scientific research that shapes and reflects what the workforce is looking for. Coordinating applied research opportunities between our students and hospitals and community health care settings, our interdisciplinary approach provides students with valuable hands-on experience, and health care centres with the services of knowledgeable psychology students.
How Do Experiential Learning and Psychology Mesh Together?
Glendon provides an opportunity rarely afforded to undergraduate students studying psychology: hands-on experience! Our experiential education offers opportunities to gain testing experience in the Glendon Neuropsychology Lab and applied research opportunities in varied health care settings. These hands-on opportunities allow our students to gain practical clinical skills as well as a more profound understanding of cognitive neuropsychology through the invaluable knowledge they acquire in their practicum placements.
What Are the Requirements of This Program?
The Cognitive Neuropsychology Stream is comprised of 5 courses, including a practicum.
Theoretical and practical aspects of testing and measurement are treated, with particular attention being given to the principles and problems of measurement in the areas of personality, social psychology and psychopathology.
Prerequisites: GL/PSYC 2510 6.00, GL/PSYC 2530 3.00 and GL/PSYC 2531 3.00 or equivalent courses. Course credit exclusion: HH/PSYC 3090 3.00.
Examines learning and behaviour modification as applied in clinical settings. Topics include classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement, self- and environmental control and behavioural intervention geared to people who suffer from cognitive disorders.
Prerequisites: GL/PSYC 2510 6.00, GL/PSYC 2520 3.00, GL/PSYC 2530 3.00, GL/PSYC 2531 3.00 or equivalent courses.
This course reviews the physiological basis of behaviour including elements of neuroanatomy, psycho-physiology, neuropsychology and psycho-pharmacology.
Prerequisite: GL/PSYC 2510 6.00 or equivalent. Course credit exclusion: HH/PSYC 2240 3.00
Neuropsychology is concerned with the behavioural expression of brain dysfunction. This course will review the major neuropsychological disorders associated with brain dysfunction and the mechanisms underlying these deficits. Recovery and advances in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment will also be discussed.
Prerequisite: GL/PSYC 3670 3.00. Course credit exclusion: GL/PSYC 3530 6.00.
Fourth-year students who have successfully completed the four courses outlined above can enroll in PSYC 4260 to apply their training in various hospital and community health care settings. They may shadow health care professionals, conduct neuropsychological assessments, help with the development of new assessment tools, and/or deliver cognitive rehabilitation interventions under the supervision of a clinical neuropsychologist. Students gain a more profound understanding of cognitive neuropsychology through the invaluable knowledge they acquire in their practicum placement. Students may choose projects that last one trimester (3 credits) or two trimesters (6 credits).
Students in this course conduct applied research in a practicum setting. They engage in planning and executing an empirical study (typically using a quasi-experimental design, for example a case study), including data analysis and interpretation.
Prerequisite: Approval from the Department Chair is required. This course is reserved for 4th-year students.
How To Apply
Students who wish to complete the Cognitive Neuropsychology Stream must declare their intention to do so in their third year when applying for the Honours program. To do so, students must request a change of program, which will allow to add the Cognitive Neuropsychology designation.
Click here for the procedure to make this program change request.