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Unit outline_

BACH5321: Introduction to Neuropsychology for Practice

Intensive April - May, 2026 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit provides students with an understanding of the major theoretical perspectives, concepts and vocabulary of psychology. Psychology is concerned with the science of human behaviour - how individuals perceive, think about, and behave in the world. It is concerned with identifying how internal determinants (characteristics unique to the person, and part of physical or psychological make-up) and external determinants (physical environment and social context) impact upon the individual. It is also concerned with the way in which people change over time, as well as explaining and predicting what they might do at any one time. The unit aims to position psychology as an essential ingredient in understanding health behaviour. This unit is only available to students who have no undergraduate studies in psychology.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Participation Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Anne Cusick, anne.cusick@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 May 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Contribution Discussion Board contribution
Contribution to discussion board topic and stimulus material in lieu of in-person on-campus tutorials. Due date for each contribution is Friday Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 at 23.59 hours.
30% Multiple weeks
Closing date: 29 May 2026
No less than 100 words/ weeks 1,2,3,4,6 AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Portfolio or journal group assignment Health conditions in neuropsychological practice
Resource portfolio and reflections
40% Week 05
Due date: 22 May 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 29 May 2026
3000 words per group AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Written test Written test
Written test - short answer questions which cover topics presented in the lecture stream of unit modules
30% Week 07 1 hour AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

30% The weekly discussion board contribution is a 'proxy' for learning reflection and class engagement otherwise possible in on-campus units. Questions or stimulus material will invite responses to the discussion and exchange between class members. Contributions are due Friday 23.59 each week.Ìý

40% The health conditions in neuropsychological practice is a small group assignment. Small-group canvas sites are established within the unit and the group creates a learning resource and experience for hypothetical users to learn about a particular health condition from a variety of perspectives using high quality evidence.ÌýÌý

30% on-campus one hour supervised examination in examination week does not permit AI. It is in person and handwritten. This will assure learning in a unit which otherwise is entirely online.Ìý

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Ìý

Distinction

75 - 84

Ìý

Credit

65 - 74

Ìý

Pass

50 - 64

Ìý

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of theÌýAcademic Integrity Policy.

Visit theÌýCurrent Students websiteÌýfor more information on AI in assessments, includingÌýdetails on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Usual University of Sydney penalties apply

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our websiteÌýprovides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed theÌýAcademic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)Ìýwhich is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit theÌýCurrent Students websiteÌýfor more information on AI in assessments, includingÌýdetails on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through aÌýsimple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible forÌýspecial consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,ÌýÌýincludes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students PolicyÌýreflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY AND BEHAVIOURAL NEUROSCIENCE Self-directed learning (6 hr) LO1
Week 02 UNDERSTANDING HUMAN BEHAVIOUR ACROSS THE LIFESPAN THROUGH PSYCHOLOGY Self-directed learning (6 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 UNDERSTANDING HUMAN BEHAVIOUR ACROSS THE LIFESPAN THROUGH NEUROSCIENCE Self-directed learning (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 HEALTH CONDITIONS AFFECTING HUMAN BEHAVIOUR Self-directed learning (6 hr) LO2 LO4
Week 05 NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACHES IN PRACTICE Self-directed learning (6 hr) LO1 LO4
Week 06 BRAIN HEALTH & CONTEXTS OF PRACTICE Self-directed learning (6 hr) LO4

Attendance and class requirements

This unit is online. The supervised examination is on-campus to permit a Lane 1 assessment for assurance of learning.Ìý

¸ßÇ帣ÀûƬ commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings are available on Canvas

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Delineate the disciplines of psychology and neuroscience as independent, yet complementary approaches to the scientific understanding of human behaviour.
  • LO2. Describe methodical approaches used in psychology and/or neuroscience to understand human behaviour.
  • LO3. Demonstrate understanding of neuroanatomical structures and neuro-physiological processes related to human behaviour.
  • LO4. Apply knowledge to answer practice questions relating to diagnosis, etiology and prognosis in health conditions and neuropsychological approaches to practice in rehabilitation across the lifespan.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Students liked the flexibility of online learning, but some found it difficult to cover the volume of material in a self study format. Tips to implement self-study online learning have been added to the modules introduction which include an alert to the volume of reading and study. Students liked the groupwork assignment but wanted to meet and have opportunity to discuss with teacher. Optional drop in sessions have been added to the canvas site - the teacher is doing these hours voluntarily. Exam prep questions were given to students in 2025. More questions will be offered in 2026 to help students prepare.

The subject is in lieu of prior undergraduate study and so is comprehensive, intensive and covers a lot of topics. The discussion board is the equivalent of TWO one hour tutorials each week (because this is an intensive class). The lecture module stream is the equivalent of FOUR lecture hours each week (because it is intensive). Students need to be well organised, spend enough time on the classes and doing the reading and follow up work for assessments to pass this unit.Ìý

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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