The Integrated Brain (PSYC30020)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
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.
Intended learning outcomes
At the end of this course students will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the connectivity that exists between the mind and body and the implications of this connectivity in understanding individual aspects of brain function
- identify and explain the mechanisms that ensure coordinated activity and function across the integrated brain
- critically consider ethical consequences of neuroscientific advances that extend beyond the individual to society as well as critically analyse scientific research papers
Generic skills
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
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
No prerequisites are required for this subject
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
512330 Human Psychophysiology 3
512309 Psychbiology of Sleep and Emotion
PSYC30020 Psychology of Sleep and Emotions
512309 Psychobiology of Sleep and Emotion
Recommended background knowledge
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.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Assessment
Additional details
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.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Amy Jordan Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017 Census date 31 August 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2017 Assessment period ends 17 November 2017 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment for this subject is 170 hours.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Diploma in Psychology Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Major Psychology Major Psychology - Breadth options
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 9 April 2025