The Integrated Brain

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Estimated total time commitment for this subject is 170 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.

512330 Human Psychophysiology 3

512309 Psychbiology of Sleep and Emotion

PSYC30020 Psychology of Sleep and Emotions

512309 Psychobiology of Sleep and Emotion

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/

There are more connections in a human brain than there are stars in the universe. This subject focuses on the brain as an integrated system and looks at how its many connected networks achieve coordinated effects, linking the mind to the brain and the body.

In exploring integration across the nervous system, this subject will examine topics such as the effects of neurotransmitters on emotions and behaviour, the nature of sleep and wakeful states and transitions between them, and mechanisms underlying the control of body movement. The connections between social factors and brain function will also be explored, as well as current ethical dilemmas in the field, such as the ethical consequences associated with recent technologies designed to alter our minds, or enhance brain function beyond normal healthy ranges.

This subject aims to:

• provide students with an appreciation of the connectivity that exists between the mind and body and the implications of this connectivity in understanding individual aspects of brain function in health and disorders
• introduce students to the mechanisms that ensure coordinated activity and function across the integrated brain
• develop the student's ability to critically consider ethical consequences of neuroscientific advances that extend beyond the individual to society.

Two pieces of written work. Assignment 1 (15%) will be in the form of short answer questions (500 words total) and Assignment 2 (35%) will be an essay of 1500 words. Assignments are 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 text. 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 neuroscience and psychology
• integrate evidence from multiple courses relating to the neurobiological basis of human cognition, emotional and social functioning
• identify and consider ethical consequences arising from scientific advances
• locate and use web-based scientific material effectively