Prospectus | 08/09 - Psychology and Neuroscience - Maastricht ...

Prospectus Research Master Psychology 2008 • 2009
68
The specialization in Neuropsychology focuses on the relationship between brain
and behaviour. In this perspective, behaviour is a broadly defined term and includes
cognitive functions (e.g., memory, language, perception, planning, and psychomotor
functions) as well as affective functions. These so-called ‘brain-behaviour’ relationships
are addressed on a continuum ranging from ‘normal’ to ‘deviant’ in children, adolescents
and patient populations. Neurological (e.g., Parkinson disease) and psychiatric disorders
(e.g., ADHD, schizophrenia, dementia) will be studied thoroughly. In addition, in the
context of psychopharmacology, biological mechanisms are studied which pertain
to neurotransmitters, hormones, and drugs that act upon cognitive function and
behaviour. Central is the relation between manipulating brain neurochemistry by means
of psychoactive substances and cognitive function, in animal and human models. An
integrated programme will be presented that includes most aspects of basic and applied
neuroscience. Students will have the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary team
consisting of psychologists, biologists and psychiatrists.
Neuropsychology Coordinator:
Jan Ramaekers, Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Phone 38 81951,
40 Universiteitssingel East, Room 2.736, E-mail: j.ramaekers@psychology.unimaas.nl
Colloquia Coordinator:
Eef Theunissen, Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Phone 38 81940,
40 Universiteitssingel East, Room 2.735, E-mail: e.theunissen@psychology.unimaas.nl
4.1 Interdisciplinary Perspectives
| 405RM Interdisciplinary Perspectives – 3 credits
Coordinators: Nancy Nicolson, Psychiatry & Neuropsychology (FHML), Phone 36 88684,
Vijverdal, Room SN2.068, E-mail: n.nicolson@sp.unimaas.nl;
Jan Ramaekers, Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology (FPN), Phone 38 81951,
40 Universiteitssingel East, Room 2.736, E-mail: j.ramaekers@psychology.unimaas.nl;
Alexander Sack, Cognitive Neuroscience (FPN), Phone 38 84267, 40 Universiteitssingel
East, Room 4.765, E-mail: a.sack@psychology.unimaas.nl;
Jos Prickaerts, Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology (FPN), Phone 38 81026,
40 Universiteitssingel East, Room 2.737, E-mail: j.prickaerts@psychology.unimaas.nl
Description of the Course
This lecture course, attended by all first-year students, is designed to highlight
selected research topics from the perspectives of cognitive neuroscience, fundamental
neuroscience, neuropsychology and psychopathology. The aim is to illustrate how the
distinct but inter-related approaches to questions in the field of brain and behaviour
can enrich our understanding of underlying mechanisms as well as cognitive,
emotional and behavioural outcomes in health and disorder.