Winter 2015
PSYCH 2NF3 – Basic & Clinical Neuroscience
Mondays & Wednesdays, 1:30 – 2:20PM
Location: Health Sciences Centre (HSC), Room 1A1
McMASTER UNIVERSITY
Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour
Instructor
Course Description
Course Details
Dr. Ayesha Khan
Office Hours & Location: 4:30 – 6:00PM, Fridays (See appointment details on Avenue to Learn)
Office Location: Psychology Building (PC), Rm 107
E-mail: akhan@mcmaster.ca
Please include the course code (Psych 2NF3) in the subject of all E-mails.
This course is intended to provide an introduction to the primary principles of neuropsychology
and assessment with particular emphasis on study of the pathological brain.
We will begin by understanding essential concepts in neuroanatomy including organization of
the nervous system. Remainder of the course will focus on cortical function and pathologies
associated with brain disorders and ways in which these disorders influence behaviour.
By the end of this course students should have: 1) an understanding of fundamentals in
neuroanatomy and brain function, and 2) a better ability to identify basic behavioural
manifestations that arise due to brain dysfunction.
MacEngaged
This course contains a group project with the aim of involving undergraduate students, early in
their academic careers, with service learning. A major goal is to help students gain more value
from learned content by contributing to the betterment of others outside the classroom. An
additional aim is to help student’s reflect upon their activities to enhance the course experience
and promote deeper learning. Through this project students can also achieve important skills that
can contribute to success in other courses and beyond (i.e., those that could be listed on a résumé
or curriculum vitae) completion of their undergraduate education. Students will work in small
groups to create, develop, and implement a unique yet meaningful project under a specific theme
within the field of neuropsychology that will help contribute to the local, neighbouring, and/or
global community.
Three lectures; one term
Prerequisite(s): One of PSYCH 1F03, 1N03, 1X03, and PSYCH 1XX3 with a grade of at least C+ in
each, and one of BIOLOGY 1A03, 1M03, 1P03 or Grade 12 Biology U, and registration in Level II or
above; or ISCI 1A24; or registration in Level II or above of an Arts & Science, B.H.Sc. (Honours), the
Honours Music (Music Cognition) or any Honours Cognitive Science of Language program
Antirequisite(s): LIFE SCI 2C03, PSYCH 2F03, 2N03
Not open to students with credit or registration in ISCI 2A18.
Required Materials
Other textbooks, apart
from the one listed here,
are not acceptable.
1. Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology
(6th Edition). Kolb, W., & Wishaw I.Q. (2009).
USA: Worth Publishers
eText: ISBN-10 1429250089, ISBN-13 9781429250085
Print: ISBN-10 0-7167-9586-8, ISBN-13 978-0-7167-9586-5
2. iClickers will be used for all quizzes.
iClickers can be purchased at the Campus Store and must be
registered online with name and MacID (not Student No).
http://www.bookstore.mcmaster.ca/textbooks/iclicker-faq.html
3. All students must complete The Basadur Creative
Problem Solving Profile (cost of roughly $10) through a
corporate website. Further details are available on Avenue to
Learn.
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Evaluation
Final grade will be based on:
1. Test 1 (10%)
2. Test 2 (15%)
3. In-class quizzes (Top 8 out of 10; 10%)
4. MacEngaged group project (25%)
5. Cumulative final exam (40%) to be scheduled by the Office of the Registrar
Tests, Quizzes, & Final
Exam
Quizzes will be administered in class through iClickers. All quiz questions will be multiplechoice in format.
The two term tests and a cumulative final exam will comprise of a combination of multiplechoice and a small number of written-response questions.
Test questions will be based on material covered in lectures and/or in the text. Please be sure to
complete all text readings and keep up-to-date with content discussed during lecture. If you
miss a class, please do not email the instructor for lecture notes.
Information presented via guest speakers, video or audio format will be testable on the term tests
and final exam. Due to copyright issues, it may not be possible to post videos/audio recordings
presented in class on Avenue to Learn. If you miss a class, please ask a fellow classmate for
lecture notes.
In-class quizzes will be held throughout the semester. The purpose of these quizzes is to
encourage reading of text and review of lecture material and to think about course content
through critical analysis.
The final exam will be three hours in duration and cumulative, covering questions from all
chapters, lecture notes, guest speakers, and audio/video presentations from throughout the
semester.
Web Postings
In this course we will be using Avenue to Learn (Avenue).
Students should be aware that, when they access the electronic components of this course,
private information such as first and last names, user names for the McMaster e-mail accounts,
and program affiliation may become apparent to all other students in the same course. The
available information is dependent on the technology used. Continuation in this course will be
deemed consent to this disclosure. If you have any questions or concerns about such disclosure
please discuss this with the course instructor.
Changes to the Course
Outline
At certain points in the course it may make good sense to modify the schedule outlined.
The instructor reserves the right to modify elements of the course and will notify students
accordingly, both in class and on Avenue.
Posted changes take precedence over this course outline.
The University may change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme
circumstances.
If either type of modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the
students will be given with explanation and the opportunity to comment on changes. It is the
responsibility of the student to check their McMaster email and Avenue during the term and to
note any changes.
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Missed Tests & Quizzes
McMaster Student
Absence Form
Course Policies
No make-up tests or quizzes are offered for this course. Your best scores of 8 out of 10
quizzes will be used to calculate your quiz grade. The percentage associated with each missed
test will get added to your final exam (given that you have submitted a MSAF or have
permission from your Associate Dean’s Office).
If you are absent from the university for a minor medical reason, lasting fewer than 5 days, you
may report your absence, once per term, without documentation, using the McMaster Student
Absence Form (http://www.mcmaster.ca/msaf/). Absences for a longer duration or for other
reasons must be reported to your Faculty/Program office, with documentation, and relief from
term work may not necessarily be granted.
When using the MSAF, report your absence to msaf.2nf3@gmail.com
Clearly write PSYCH 2NF3 in the title of your message.
Teaching Assistants (TAs) will monitor this E-mail account and will respond within a few days
about what relief may be granted for the work you have missed.
Other Academic Matters
If you require a specific grade in this course, please make sure that you create a schedule for
yourself that will allow for you to: (1) complete all readings and course requirements, (2) attend
all class meetings, (3) create a realistic study schedule, and (4) visit the Instructor and/or TAs
during office hours for additional help. If you are struggling with course material, ask for help
early!
Bonus Marks
Your final course grade will be calculated based on the course components listed on the second
page. It is not possible to add bonus marks (even in the form of a few decimal points).
Written Assignments
All written work will be marked on content, grammar, clarity of writing, and organization.
All writing associated with the group project must be properly referenced. You may choose
any style for referencing depending on your familiarity. It is preferred that you select a
citation style typically used in the sciences, social sciences, or medical sciences. Once you
have selected a citation style, please continue to use that specific style throughout the term.
Turnitin.com
Penalties for Lateness
In this course we will be using a web-based service (Turnitin.com) to reveal plagiarism.
Students will be expected to submit their work electronically to Turnitin.com and in hard
copy so that it can be checked for academic dishonesty. Students who do not wish to submit
their work to Turnitin.com must still submit a copy to the instructor. No penalty will be
assigned to a student who does not submit work to Turnitin.com. All submitted work is
subject to normal verification that standards of academic integrity have been upheld (e.g.,
on-line search, etc.). To see the Turnitin.com Policy, please go to:
http://www.mcmaster.ca/academicintegrity
Students are encouraged to visit the Centre for Student Development to improve their
writing skills (MUSC B107 at x:24711). For information about the Writing Clinic and the
Centre’s other services, visit the Centre’s website:
http://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/academic-skills/writing-support-services.html
All written work must be submitted online through DropBox on Avenue, on the due
date. Do not submit assignments by email and do not slide them under the instructor’s door.
Late assignments will be penalized 5% a day (weekends will also count towards a penalty).
Late penalties will not be waived unless your Faculty/Program Office advises the instructor
that you have submitted to that office the appropriate documentation to support your
inability to submit the work by the due date.
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Plagiarism
Honesty and fairness are considered fundamental to the university's mission, and, as a result, all
those who violate those principles are dealt with as if they were damaging the integrity of the
university itself.
When students are suspected of cheating or a similar academic offence, they are typically
surprised at how formally and seriously the matter is dealt with and how severe the consequences
can be if it is determined that cheating did occur.
You are expected to exhibit honesty and use ethical behaviour in all aspects of the learning
process. Academic credentials you earn are rooted in principles of honesty and academic
integrity.
Academic dishonesty is to knowingly act or fail to act in a way that results or could result in
unearned academic credit or advantage. This behaviour can result in serious consequences,
e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript
(notation reads: “Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty”), and/or suspension or
expulsion from the university.
It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information
on the various types of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy,
located at http://www.mcmaster.ca/academicintegrity
The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:
1. Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one’s own or for which other credit has
been obtained.
2. Improper collaboration in-group work.
3. Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.
McMaster University
Grading Scale
Document Submission
Any claims of documents submitted to locations/persons apart from those indicated in this course
syllabus will NOT be accepted.
Course News
You are also responsible for checking Avenue on a regular basis (on the morning of each class
meeting at minimum) to ensure that you are up-to-date on important announcements related to
this course.
McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) Basement, Room B107, or telephone
905-525-9140 at x:28652. If you require information provided in this document in an
alternate/accessible format, please contact the Instructor at 905-525-9140 x:21272.
http://sas.mcmaster.ca/
Accessibility Services
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Class Schedule
Week Of
January 5th
Topic
Introduction to the Course
Introduction To Neuropsychological Assessment I (Chapter 28)
January 12th
Introduction To Neuropsychological Assessment II (Chapter 28)
Development of Neuropsychology (Chapter 1)
January 19th
Understanding Brain Damage (Lecture Notes)
January 26th
Anatomy of the Nervous System (Chapter 3; pp. 51 – 81; Except figure 3.25)
February 2nd
Imaging the Brain’s Activity (Chapter 6)
February 9th
Clinical Seminar
February 23rd
The Occipital Lobes (Chapter 13; Except Figure 13.2)
March 2nd
The Parietal Lobes (Chapter 14; Except Figure 14.2)
March 9th
The Temporal Lobes (Chapter 15; Except Figures 15.2, 15.3, Table 15.1)
March 16th
Clinical Seminar
March 23rd
The Frontal Lobes (Chapter 16; Except Figure 16.2, Tables 16.2, 16.4)
March 30th
TOPIC TBD THROUGH CLASS VOTE
Test 1 (Wednesday, February 11th)
Test 2 (Wednesday, March 18th)
1. Neuropharmacology (Dysfunctions associated with Acetylcholine)
2. NeuroPsychology of Schizophrenia
April 6th
No Class on Monday. Presentations by Winning Groups on Wednesday (April 8th).
Winning group will be invited to have lunch with Dr. Patrick Deane, President of McMaster
University. Winning group will get 10% added to final project grade. Remaining finalists will
get 5% added to their final project grade.
iClicker Quizzes
Dates
If you submit a MSAF, we do not have the capacity to
create make-up quizzes. Best 8 quizzes will count out of
10 for the final course grade.
January 7th
Practice Quiz (Bring iClicker to class)
**Please make sure to register with your name and MacID
Quiz 1, 2, 3
Quiz 4, 5
Quiz 6, 7, 8
Quiz 9, 10
January 14th, 21st, 28th
February 4th, 25th
March 4th, 11th, 25th
April 1st, 8th
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Tutorial Schedule
Week of
January 5th
(Week 1)
January 12th
(Week 2)
Topic
No tutorials this week.
Homework (to be completed before next week)
1. Complete Basadur Profile** online before 10PM on Saturday, January 10th. Submit to
DROPBOX under the appropriate tutorial section.
2. Read through the Accountability Matrix**
3. Watch the introductory video for the learning portfolio**
4. Read Statement of Work Document Instructions.
**See Tutorial section on Avenue for details.
Grading
If the Basadur profile is not completed, there will be a 10% (individual) penalty from the final
project grade.
Groups (4-5 students/group) assigned by TAs based on Basadur Profiles.
Mentors assigned to specific groups.
During Tutorial
Students meet & greet with their mentors.
TAs will introduce monthly peer evaluations (~ 5 mins).
TAs will answer questions about Statement of Work Document (~ 5-10 mins).
Activity 1: Groups should collectively brainstorm and create a list of goals that could be achieved
through this project. Individual students should select one specific goal out of this list and use the
SMART method to further expand upon this goal with detail and clarity. This will be the first
reflection on the LP. A second (different) reflection will be due near end of term.
Activity 2: Start brainstorming project ideas & delegating group responsibilities.
By end of tutorial, students complete first entry in Accountability Matrix (AM). Submit to
DROPBOX by end of tutorial day.
Homework
Each student will create an individual MacEngaged presentation shell on his/her Learning Portfolio
(LP) before 10PM on Friday, January 16th.
Presentation will be submitted via DROPBOX.
Grading
Creation of a LP presentation shell (no content required) under the title of MacEngaged is on a
pass/fail basis. If the shell is not created, there will be a 10% penalty from the (individual) final
project grade.
January 19th
(Week 3)
At start of tutorial, students must present AM to mentors.
By end of tutorial, complete second entry in AM. Submit to DROPBOX by end of tutorial day.
Group work should focus on Statement of Work (SOW) Document.
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January 26th
(Week 4)
TAs will introduce Guided Reflection Writing to students.
At start of tutorial, students must present AM to mentors.
By end of tutorial, complete third entry in AM. Submit to DROPBOX by end of tutorial day.
Group work should focus on SOW Document.
Homework
1. Smart Goal Setting Reflection due before 10PM on Friday, January 30th
This reflection should be submitted through the LP and not as a WORD document.
Submit to appropriate DROPBOX folder.
2. Peer Evaluation 1 due before 10PM on Friday, January 30th
Submit to appropriate DROPBOX folder.
February 2nd
(Week 5)
Grading
Smart Goal Setting Reflection Rubric (posted on Avenue).
Peer Evaluation is graded on a pass/fail basis.
At start of tutorial, students must present AM to mentors.
By end of tutorial, complete fourth entry in AM. Submit to DROPBOX by end of tutorial day.
Group work should focus on SOW Document.
Homework
SOW Document due before 10PM on Friday, February 6th. One group member only will submit
this document. Submit to appropriate DROPBOX folder.
February 9th
(Week 6)
February 23
(Week 7)
nd
March 2
(Week 8)
rd
Grading
SOW Rubric (posted on Avenue)
At start of tutorial, students must present AM to mentors.
By end of tutorial, complete fifth entry in AM. Submit to DROPBOX by end of tutorial day.
Students begin projects in selected communities between weeks 6-11.
At start of tutorial, students must present AM to mentors.
By end of tutorial, complete sixth entry in AM. Submit to DROPBOX by end of tutorial day.
Students engage in projects in selected communities between weeks 6-11.
At start of tutorial, students must present AM to mentors.
By end of tutorial, complete seventh entry in AM. Submit to DROPBOX by end of tutorial day.
Homework
Peer Evaluation 2 due before 10PM on Friday, March 13th.
Submit to appropriate DROPBOX folder.
th
March 9
(Week 9)
Students engage in projects in selected communities between weeks 6-11.
At start of tutorial, students must present AM to mentors.
By end of tutorial, complete eighth entry in AM. Submit to DROPBOX by end of tutorial day.
Students engage in projects in selected communities between weeks 6-11.
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March 16th
(Week 10)
At start of tutorial, students must present AM to mentors.
By end of tutorial, complete ninth entry in AM. Submit to DROPBOX by end of tutorial day.
rd
Students engage in projects in selected communities between weeks 6-11.
At start of tutorial, students must present AM to mentors.
By end of tutorial, complete tenth entry in AM. Submit to DROPBOX by end of tutorial day.
March 23
(Week 11)
Students Execute Project in Community between weeks 6-11.
March 30th
(Week 12)
Students have the option to submit a one-two paragraph (hard copy; single spaced) statement to
enter competition. This must be submitted during tutorial.
No tutorial.
All projects MUST be completed this week!!
Homework
1. Guided Reflection due before 10PM on Friday, April 3rd
This reflection should be submitted through the LP and not as a WORD document.
Submit to appropriate DROPBOX folder.
2. Submit updated SOW document with actual date(s) of completion and any changes to the
original scope (under section: Tasks & Timeline). If this document shows insufficient evidence of
project completion, a penalty of up to 50% reduction in the final project grade may be applied to
the entire group.
Submit to appropriate DROPBOX folder.
3. Peer Evaluation 3 due before 10PM on Friday, April 3rd
Submit to appropriate DROPBOX folder.
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