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

Chapter 4 - Specialization Neuropsychology
Form of Assessment
Open book, multiple choice exam consisting of questions resembling the exercises
(general theory, some elementary computations, and interpretation of computer
output).
| 541NP Cognitive Development – 3 credits
Coordinator: Petra Hurks, Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology (FPN), Phone 38 84269,
40 Universiteitssingel East, Room 2.747, E-mail: pm.hurks@psychology.unimaas.nl
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Description of the Course
This course focuses on brain-behaviour relationships in children and adolescents. It
addresses the range from ‘normal’, ‘borderline pathology’, via focused and selective
problems, to children with neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric diseases. A
thorough understanding of normal cognitive development is essential before issues
in abnormal development may be considered. What neurobiological or psychosocial
mechanisms can be identified that may lie at the basis of this difference between
normal and abnormal development? Relevant theories, state-of-the-art research, and
clinical approaches (e.g., treatment protocols) will be evaluated while addressing
this question. In addition, students will be broadly acquainted with typical research
methods that are custom in the area of cognitive development, such as cross-sectional
and longitudinal designs, and the statistical strategies that are used to make inferences
from such studies.
Literature
Journal articles and book chapters.
Instructional Approach
Tutorial group meetings.
Form of Assessment
Written assignment and oral presentation.
| 542NP Stress, the Brain and Psychopathology– 3 credits
Coordinator: Rob Markus, Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology (FPN), Phone 38 82474,
40 Universiteitssingel East, Room 3.777a, E-mail: r.markus@psychology.unimaas.nl
Description of the Course
It has become increasingly clear that stress is one of the most important triggers
for cognitive-affective and/or psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety,
schizophrenia and dementia. In addition, a tremendous amount of biological and
cognitive-psychological research has been conducted on the onset and course of such
stress-related disorders. Cognitive-oriented psychologists have shown that the chance
of developing stress-related complaints is amplified by the utilization of negative and