Clinical Neuroscience Research

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Topics covered include:

Frontiers in clinical neuroscience research
Expert briefings on the current research questions in epilepsy, intellectual disability and autism, stroke and multiple sclerosis
Research methods in clinical neurological genetics
How animal models can inform clinical neuroscience research
Research methods in clinical neuropharmacology
Brain development
Neuroplasticity and neurotrophic factors research
Research methods in neurodegenerative disorders
Clinical trials methods
How clinical research informs basic research and vice-versa
Research methods in neurological epidemiology
Research methods in neurological rehabilitation
Translation of clinical research findings into practice

Oral team presentation (total 20 mins + 10 mins discussion) based on published clinical neuroscience research topics discussed within multi-disciplinary teams (20%), a comprehensive literature review in a chosen clinical neuroscience research area, and leading to explicit conclusions and new research questions to pursue (max. 3,500 words) (80%).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

Demonstrate a high level of understanding of a wide variety of clinical research methodologies applicable to problems in neurological disease
Have a sound knowledge of the overlap with basic science advances across the neuroscience field and a good understanding of clinical synergies
Have gained insights into the broad hot topics in neuroscience research and be able to generate useful discussions and ideas
Be able to analyse and critically appraise the clinical and basic neuroscience literature in a chosen topic of interest
Be able to apply this knowledge through creating new ideas for clinical research projects
Be able to work in teams and effectively communicate clinical research findings