An Introduction to Developmental Neuropsychology

In this course, students will be introduced to the innovative and ’mind- blowing’ field of developmental neuropsychology. The anatomy of the brain and relevant brain functions will be introduced at the beginning of the module. Through case studies students will explore the fundamental research and the most recent advances in the field. Students will endeavour to find solutions to the questions presented by researching various articles and group discussion. For example, why is there a change in the ability to discriminate between human faces and monkey faces in babies of 12 months? And why is this difference not present at 6 months? Cognitive development is typically measured by changes or improvements in cognitive processes. In this course, processes such as language, reasoning and memory etc. will be explored in terms of their developmental trajectory and how this trajectory relates to changes in the maturing brain. We will examine how these developmental changes can be measured by various neurological methods (e.g. fMRI and EEG). The field trip included in the course focuses on the importance of neuroscientific research methods and forms a unique and practical insight into the subject matter. Midway through the course the students will construct a research proposal regarding developmental neuropsychology in subgroups and present this proposal. To conclude the course, students will sit a written exam. This course consists of 32 class hours divided over 2-3 weeks. Students earn 6 ECTS credits when they obtain a passing grade.

Course leader

E.J.M. Persoon

Target group

At least one 200-level Psychology course. It is recommended that the students have an interest in the development of the human brain and cognitive development. An interest in scientific research and methods is also recommended.

Course aim

The general development of the human brain (prenatal/postnatal development until young adulthood)
Different brain areas relevant for the development of e.g. language or executive functions
The influence of experience on the perceptual narrowing of the brain regarding face processing and language (nature/nurture debate)
Differences in the development of the brain regarding language (dyslexia) and mathematics (dyscalculia)
The adolescent brain and implications for the development of social cognition Students will also have become familiar with developmental research and neuroscientific methods.

Credits info

6 EC
Maastricht Summer School awards academic credit (ECTS) for courses successfully completed during the programme. To include these credits in the curriculum of your degree, you need to obtain official approval from the responsible department at your home institution.

Upon completion of a course, the Maastricht Summer School issues a transcript. The transcript states the student’s name, student ID-number, the grade or Pass/Fail and the number of ECTS credits.

Fee info

EUR 1000: This 3-week course costs €1000,-.