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Exciting recent developments in cognitive neurosciences have highlighted
the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach to the study of cognitive
abilities and deficits. For example, clinical neuropsychologists increasingly
rely on functional imaging techniques heralded by their colleagues
in cognitive neuroscience, thereby learning more about the neuroanatomic
underpinnings of neurologic conditions. Similarly, behavioral neuroscientists
may rely on the expertise of their clinical colleagues when cross-validating
animal research with human participants. Such collaborations enrich
both research and clinical practice, as they provide the luxury of
a “big picture” approach in this time of increasing specialization
mandated by the information explosion.
Cross area in Cognitive/Clinical Neuropsychology, housed within
the Department of Psychology at the University of Utah, embraces such
collaborative spirit. As such, it provides incoming students with
the opportunity to develop research questions that span several levels
of analysis. In particular, this cross-area exposes students to the
variety of methodologies and levels of analysis used in the field,
including cognitive studies, neuroimaging, neuropsychological assessment
of neurologic and psychiatric patients, electrophysiology, single-cell
recordings, and computational modeling. Students will gain a basic
understanding of brain structure and function, cognitive models of
higher cortical functions, clinical syndromes reflecting cognitive
deficits, and experimental and traditional assessment techniques.
This cross-area is mandatory for students enrolling in the clinical
neuropsychology program. Non-clinical CNS students with interest in
clinical enrichment are welcome to participate in the program.
Cross-area Brown Bag. We believe that in order to best facilitate
cross-fertilization between cognitive and clinical neural sciences,
we need to provide students and faculty with a structure that encourages
an exchange of ideas, reciprocal learning, and sharing of resources.
To that end, students in this cross-area will participate in monthly
brown-bag meetings. These informal meetings provide a forum for students
and faculty alike to seek feedback on their research efforts, to pose
questions to colleagues in related areas, to learn about community
contacts, or to discuss recent advances in the field.
Research Methods. An interdisciplinary course in research methods
used in different
areas of neuroscience is required of all students.
Neuroscience Enrichment. Both clinical and non-clinical students
will be expected to participate in enrichment activities as they become
available, including observing brain-cuttings and neurosurgeries,
enrolling in a neuroanatomy course, and participating in fMRI meetings.
Clinical Enrichment. Because students in non-clinical area
are often interested in researching clinical conditions, an introduction
to basics clinical skills facilitates these students’ research
success. In particular, this program offers an introduction to basic
interviewing skills, cognitive assessment, and neuropsychological
assessment. This enrichment is accomplished both via formal coursework,
and through clinical supervision meetings and case conferences. For
clinical neuropsychology students, this coursework and activities
are automatically included in their curriculum.
: For additional information on
clinical training in this area, please visit the specialization in
clinical neuropsychology page.
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