Psychiatry Research Project

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Students should discuss total time commitment with their supervisor but as a guide, a student would be expected to be engaged in their research for an average of thirty hours per week over two semesters.

Students must be enrolled in the Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours) or the Bachelor of Science (Honours) to complete this subject.

A basic knowledge of pharmacology / physiology

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, 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 the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

The research project is designed to introduce the student to an aspect of psychopharmacology relevant to the treatment and / or understanding of the neurobiological basis of a psychiatric illness

To develop laboratory skills relevant to the discipline of psychopharmacology. To apply statistical methods to the evaluation of the project and critically analyse the data.

• Project Report End of October 70%
• Research Seminar Presentation Early October 20%
• Supervisors Assessment End of Course 10%

Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology. Neuro-scientific Basis and Practical Applications, Third Edition, Cambridge University Press 2008

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Standard laboratory skills (pipette, preparation of solutions) would be required for most research projects. Specific projects may require skills such as familiarity with drug assay by HLPC, use of ELISA assays for hormones. Some projects would require a familiarity with animal handling. Specific skills related to animal behavioural tests will be taught during the course. Time management skills by planning and submitting work by the required deadlines.

To be awarded Honours with a specialisation in Psychiatry, students must successfully complete the following:

Semester 1
BIOM40001 Introduction to Biomedical Research (12.5 points)
PSYT40005 Psychiatry Research Project (25 points)
PSYT40007 Psychopharmacology Coursework - AH/NH (12.5 points)

Semester 2
PSYT40006 Psychiatry Research Project (50 points)