BACS 536: Clinical Neuropsychology for Behavior Analysts

Spring 2018; 4 Credits

Department of Health Professions Mission Statement

Anchored in the pragmatic liberal arts tradition, the department of health professions educates
students to become effective and innovative health and behavioral professionals who will satisfy the
growing demand for their services.

NOTE:
The policies, procedures, and schedule in this syllabus are subject to change, at the discretion of the course
instructor.
Course Syllabus

COURSE INFORMATION
Course Number: BACS 536
Course Title: Clinical Neuropsychology for Behavior Analysts
School Term: Spring 2018
Schedule: Tuesdays 645-915
Location: Bush Science Center, Room 212

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION

Instructor: Ana Rivera PhD, CCC-SLP
E-Mail Address: ariverarodriguez@rollins.edu
Office Hours: Per appointment only.
Appointment times available upon request via virtual office. Please
check see below for instructions on how to schedule an appointment.
Face-to-face appointment times may be available. Please email me
directly to schedule a face to face appointment.
Scheduling a 1-1 Appointment
To set up an appointment, please click on the link below and follow the instructions on the
calendar. Please schedule the appointment for 24-48 hours in advance or I cannot guarantee
your appointment. **I reserve the right to reschedule any appointments as needed.
 For Appointments: https://calendly.com/arivera2/30min
Appointment Formats:
 Via Skype: Please type your skype name on the space provided. I will skype call you
during your appointment time. My skype name: amrivera.slp
o You can log in or make a free skype account at: https://web.skype.com/en/

COURSE PREREQUISITES, COREQUISITES, AND/OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Reviews basic brain biology relationships to human behavior: neuroanatomy structure and
function, neuropathology, and effect of neuropathology on observable behavior.
Distinguishing neuropathological effects on behavior from environmental determinants are
discussed.
 The purpose of this course is to provide the foundational background and the
practical knowledge for students to effectively understand the anatomical structures,
cellular functions and physiological processes of the nervous system.

COURSE FORMAT
 The format will be lecture, large- and small-group discussions, and in-class
assignments.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

Title: NEUROSCIENCE: EXPLORING THE BRAIN (4TH ED)
Authors: Bear, Connors, Paradiso
Publisher: Wolters Kluwer (LWW)
ISBN: 978-0-7817-7817-6
 Students are also required to read materials (such as journal articles) posted on the
class site and/or distributed in the class sessions.

RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

 Doidge, Norman. (2007). The Brain that Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph
from the Frontiers of Brain Science. Penguin Books.
 Diamond & Scheibel (1985). The Human Brain Coloring Book. Collins Reference; 1
Clr Csm edition. https://www.amazon.com/Human-Brain-Coloring-Book-
Concepts/dp/0064603067

FREE LEARNING RESOURCES

 ftp://www.softchalk.com/Step1softchalksyllabus/NEUROANATOMY%20REVIEW.p
df
 https://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/HISTHTML/NEURANAT/NEURANCA.html
 http://library.med.utah.edu/kw/hyperbrain/quiz/
 https://www.kenhub.com/en/start/neuroanatomy/atlas
 http://www.finr.net/educational-resources/finr-educational-materials/3d-brain/
 http://www.g2conline.org/

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of the course, students will accurately:
1. Identify basic structures and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems,
including somatosensory, motor, visual, auditory, language, attentional, memory, and
executive function systems. (evaluated through quizzes and exams)
2. Describe and label anatomical structures of the nervous systems. (evaluated through
quizzes and exams)
 3. Demonstrate knowledge of cerebral cortex, vascular supply, and consequences
neurological disorders associated with these regions. (evaluated through quizzes and
exams)
4. Demonstrate knowledge of cranial nerves, their functions and how to assess them.
(evaluated through quizzes and in-class assignments)
5. Demonstrate knowledge of various disorders and the corresponding symptoms that
can occur due to damage of neurological systems including the somatosensory and
motor systems as well as processes such as language, speech, attention, learning and
memory, vision, hearing, executive functioning and cognition. (evaluated through
quizzes, exams and in-class discussions)
6. Demonstrate the ability to apply the information you have learned by evaluating
case studies and providing support for the disorder, site of lesion or etiology of what
is presented. (evaluated through quizzes, exams and in-class discussions)

EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE
Quizzes
All quizzes will be administered in class. Quizzes consist of 10 questions using multiple
choice, short answer, true of false, and/or fill in the blanks. Quizzes will assess your
knowledge of the notes discussed in class and must be completed within 15 minutes.
Quizzes are to be done individually, NOT as a group. Students must adhere to the ethics and
rules of conduct guideline. Evidence of cheating may result in a failing grade. If you arrive
late to class or leave early, you will NOT be given extra time to complete the quiz, so please
be prompt. No make-up quizzes will be given, and if you leave class early you will receive a
0 on the quiz.

Exams
All tests will be administered online using Blackboard. All tests will open on Tuesday after
class and close on Saturday night at 11:59 pm. Students will log into Blackboard using their
preferred computer. Tests consist of 25 questions randomly selected from a pool of over 100
questions. Question format includes but is not limited to: multiple choice, true of false,
and/or fill in the blanks. Students will have 50 minutes to complete the test. If additional
time is required, please provide the appropriate documentation. Tests are open note and
open book; however, all tests are to be done individually, NOT as a group. Students must
adhere to the ethics and rules of conduct guideline. Evidence of cheating may result in a
failing grade.

Final Exam
Only four out of five tests will count towards your final grade; therefore, final exam is
optional. The final exam is cumulative and will consist of 50 questions from any point in the
semester. The final exam can replace your lowest test score. Students must adhere to the
ethics and rules of conduct guideline. Evidence of cheating may result in a failing grade.

Discussions (Individual Assignments)

Each student will provide individual reflection on cases discussed in class. See rubric online.
These assignments are subject to change as deemed necessary by the instructor. If you arrive
late to class or leave early, you will NOT be given extra assignment of any make-up
assignments.

In-Class Assignments (Group Assignments)

Students will form groups to complete 6 in-classroom assignments. These assignments are
subject to change as deemed necessary by the instructor. If you arrive late to class or leave
early, you will NOT be given extra assignment of any make-up assignments.

In-Class 1: Brain Imaging Chart

In-Class 2: Cranial Nerve Evaluations
In-Class 3: Systems Assignment
In-Class 4: Bilingual Case
In-Class 5: Child Case
In-Class 6: Adult Case

Participation
Participation grade for this class is divided in two categories:
1. Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. Students must be present for each class unless
official documentation is provided for an excused absence.
2. Professionalism: Please see professionalism rubric posted on Blackboard.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ACADEMIC CALENDAR

DATE TOPIC BOOK
Week Dates Lecture Readings/Activities
1 1-23 Introduction to the course Ch 1
Neural Concepts, Gross Ch 7
Anatomy and Imaging
2 1-30 Neuron Physiology Quiz 1; Ch 2-3
Action Potentials Ch 4; In-Class 1
3 2-6 Synapses Ch 5 and 23
Neurotransmitters Ch 6
4 2-13 Limbic System Quiz 2; Ch 15 & 18
Exam 1 Opens
5 2-20 The Motor System Ch 13-14
6 2-27 Somatic Sensory System Quiz 3; Ch 12 & 18
7 3-6 The Cranial Nerves Ch 7; In-Class 2
The Visual, Auditory and Ch 10 & 11
Vestibular Systems
8 3-13 Cerebrovasculature and In-Class 3
Stroke
Exam 2 opens
9 3-20 Language and Aphasia Ch 20; Check online for article
readings
10 3-27 Bilingualism, the brain, and Check online for article readings;
 Aphasia In-Class 4
11 4-3 Attention, Learning and Quiz 4; Ch 21
Disorders
12 4-10 Neurodevelomental Quiz 5; Check online for article
disorders readings; In-Class 5
Exam 3 opens
13 4-17 Memory and Ch 24-25; Quiz 6; Check online
Neurodegenerative for article readings
Disorders
14 4-24 Left vs Right Hemisphere Check online for article readings
Dysfunction
15 5-1 Brain Injury Quiz 7 and In-Class 6; Check
online for article readings
Exam 4 opens
16 5-8 Optional Cumulative Final
PLEASE NOTE: The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus. Changes
will be announced in class.
Course Grading System:
GRADING A 93 and above
 Six out of 7 quizzes worth 10 points each (60 points) A- 90-92
B+ 87-89
 Four exams worth 50 points each (200 points)
B 83-86
 Class Discussion assignments (40 points) B- 80-82
 Six in-class assignments worth 10 points each (60 points) C+ 77-79
 Participation credit (5 points) C 73-76
 Total points: 365 C- 70-72
F <70
GRADING SCALE
Your Final Grade for the course will be calculated as a % of total points you earn of the total
points available based upon the scale below. No Final Grades will be altered unless the
professor has made a computational or clerical error related to the upload of the Final
Grades at the end of the semester.

POLICIES

1. Academic Honor Code Reaffirmation

http://www.rollins.edu/honor-code/documents/academic-honor-code-rollinscollege.pdf
Membership in the student body of Rollins College carries with it an obligation, and
requires a commitment, to act with honor in all things. The student commitment to uphold
the values of honor - honesty, trust, respect, fairness, and responsibility -particularly
manifests itself in two public aspects of student life. First, as part of the admission process to
the College, students agree to commit themselves to the Honor Code. Then, as part of the
matriculation process during Orientation, students sign a more detailed pledge to uphold the
Honor Code and to conduct themselves honorably in all their activities, both academic and
social, as a Rollins student. A student signature on the following pledge is a binding
commitment by the student that lasts for his or her entire tenure at Rollins College. The
development of the virtues of Honor and Integrity are integral to a Rollins College
education and to membership in the Rollins College community. Therefore, I, a student of
Rollins College, pledge to show my commitment to these virtues by abstaining from any
lying, cheating, or plagiarism in my academic endeavors and by behaving responsibly,
respectfully and honorably in my social life and in my relationships with others. This pledge
is reinforced every time a student submits work for academic credit as his/her own. Students
shall add to the paper, quiz, test, lab report, etc., the handwritten signed statement:

"On my honor, I have not given, nor received, nor witnessed any unauthorized assistance
on this work."

Material submitted electronically should contain the pledge; submission implies signing the
pledge.

2. Credit Hour Statement for Rollins Courses

This course is a four-credit-hour course that meets three hours per week. The value of four
credit hours results, in part, from work expected of enrolled students both inside and
outside the classroom. Rollins faculty require that students average at least 2 ½ hours of
outside work for every hour of scheduled class time. In this course, the additional outside-
of-class expectations are [please fill in what this course requires, e.g., fieldwork, research,
experiential education, small-group projects, etc.]: ________________________________.

3. Accessibility Services
Rollins College is committed to equal access and inclusion for all students, faculty and staff.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 create a
foundation of legal obligations to provide an accessible educational environment that does
not discriminate against persons with disabilities. It is the spirit of these laws which guides
the college toward expanding access in all courses and programs, utilizing innovative
instructional design, and identifying and removing barriers whenever possible. If you are a
person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of academic accommodations in
order to fully participate in your classes, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services,
located on the first floor of the Olin Library, as soon as possible. You are encouraged to
schedule a Welcome Meeting by filling out the “First Time Users” form on the website:
http://www.rollins.edu/accessibilityservices/ and/or reach out by phone or email: 407-975-
6463 or Access@Rollins.edu. All test-taking accommodations requested for this course must
first be approved through the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) and scheduled online
through Accommodate at least 72 hours before the exam. Official accommodation letters
must be received by and discussed with the faculty in advance. There will be no exceptions
given unless previously approved by the OAS with documentation of the emergency
situation. We highly recommend making all testing accommodations at the beginning of the
semester. OAS staff are available to assist with this process.
4. Title IX Statement
Rollins College is committed to making its campus a safe place for students. If you tell any of
your faculty about sexual misconduct involving members of the campus community, your
professors are required to report this information to the Title IX Coordinator. Your faculty
member can help connect you with the Coordinator, Oriana Jiménez (TitleIX@rollins.edu
or 407-691-1773). She will provide you with information, resources and support. If you
would prefer to speak to someone on campus confidentially, please call the Wellness Center
at 407-628-6340. They are not required to report any information you share with the Office
of Title IX. Sexual misconduct includes sexual harassment, stalking, intimate partner
violence (such as dating or domestic abuse), sexual assault, and any discrimination based on
your sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation that creates a
hostile environment. For information, visit http://www.rollins.edu/titleix/

5. Absences – religious holidays and/or campus business

The professor will accommodate a reasonable number of excused absences for religious
holidays and official off-campus college business such as academic conference presentations
and athletic competitions. However, per the College’s policy on excused absences
(http://www.rollins.edu/catalogue/academic_regulations.html#class-attendance), students
must discuss with the professor the dates of the anticipated absences no later than the last
day of the drop period. Students must present to their professor written evidence of the
anticipated absences and discuss with him/her how and when make-up work should be
completed prior to missing the class. Students should not expect to receive allowance for
excused absences if they do not meet with the professor beforehand and clarify the dates as
necessary. Absences will be addressed by the faculty member in accordance with his/her
attendance policy. The professor retains the right to determine what would be considered to
be a reasonable number of absences (excused or otherwise) for the course. A student will not
fail a course because the number of religious observances and/or college business absences
exceed the number of absences allowed, except if excessive absences make it impossible to
fulfill the expectations of the course. The student’s class participation grade in the course,
though, may still be affected.

6. Recording Device
Use In order to protect the integrity of the classroom experience, the use of recording
devices is limited to either the expressed permission of the faculty member or with proper
documentation from the Office of Accessibility Services. Information about
accommodations through Accessibility Services can be found at
http://www.rollins.edu/accessibility-services/. Recording without the proper authorization
is considered a violation of the Rollins Code of Community Standards.