Neuroscience and the Mind

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 Biological Psychology, is recommended.Level 2 psychology subjects are: Biological Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Personality & Social Psychology.

512350 Brain, Cognition and Behaviour 3.

512307 Neuroscience and the Mind

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/

This subject explores the relationship between the brain and psychological attributes, such as behaviour and cognition. It covers a number of specific areas which may include: the structure and function of the brain in general and clinical populations, laterality, memory, epilepsy, neuroimaging, attention, perception and language.

The subject aims to:

• develop an understanding of the structure of the brain and how this structure relates to behaviour
• develop an understanding of the brain and cognitive function in the intact brain and after brain damage or disease
• understand the scientific methods that can be used to explore the relation between brain and behaviour
• develop an ability to construct and critially evaluate studies exploring the relationship between the brain and behaviour
• understand individual studies within a wider scientific context related to the function and evolution of the brain

Two written reports/essays of 1500 words each (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.

None.

Kolb, B. & Wishaw, I.Q. (2003). Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology (5th Ed.). New York: Worth Publishers.

Carlson, N.R. (2001). Physiology of Behaviour (7th Ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

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:

• critially evaluate studies exploring the relation between the brain and behavioural
• test hypotheses, analyse and interpret data and to communicate scientific research effectively
• develop skills in the oral and written communication of scientific research