Advanced Studies of Human Cognition

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Estimated total time commitment for this subject is 120 hours.

No prerequisites are required for this subject

No Corequisites are required for this subject

Prior coursework in at least two level 2 psychology subjects, including Cognitive Psychology, is recommended. Level 2 psychology subjects are: Biological Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Personaility & Social Psychology.

512335 Advanced Cognition 3

512307 Advanced Studies of Human Cognition

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards of Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit Website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Advanced Studies of Human Cognition covers a range of topics within the interdisciplinary field of cognitive psychology. The primary focus of cognitive psychology is to understand thought processes through the use of experimental techniques. The course builds on material and concepts introduced in Cognitive Psychology at the second year level. The lectures take an information-processing perspective of the human brain to show how transformations of information in the brain gives rise to high-level mental functions. Tutorials will focus on current theoretically important questions in cognitive psychology and provide an opportunity for students to develop an understanding of experimental techniques and scientific writing skills. The lecture topics may include signal detection theory, decision-making, visual perception, memory, learning, categorization, attention and consciousness.

The subject aims to:

• understand current theories about thought processes and how those theories have been shaped by the use of human behavioural techniques
• develop an understanding of the experimental techniques and methods of analysis used to investigate cognitive processes
• develop scientific writing skills to communicate the results of behavioural experiements used to study cognition

Written work of 3000 words (50%) to be submitted during semester. An examination of no more than two hours (50%) to be completed at the end of semester during the specified University examination period.

Each piece of assessment must be completed (hurdle requirement).

Attendance of at least 80% of the laboratory classes is a hurdle requirement. In case of failure to meet the hurdle requirement, additional work will be required before a passing grade can be awarded.

No prescribed texts. A reading pack will be made available.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Students will be given appropriate opportunity and educational support to develop skills to:

• think critically about theoretical and empirical issues in psychology
• evaluate research issues critically on the basis of empirical evidence
• demonstrate a knowledge of classical and current issues in psychology
• demonstrate an understanding of some of the obstacles to an integrated perspective in areas or psychology
• locate and use web-based material effectively (web pages, news groups, list servers, etc.)