The Integrated Brain (PSYC30020)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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As part of the University’s response to COVID-19 and the associated Government restrictions and guidelines, most subjects will continue to be delivered online in Winter and Semester 2.
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.

Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.

Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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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

Knowledge


On completion of the subject students will demonstrate knowledge of:

  • the connectivity that exists between the mind and body and the implications of this connectivity in understanding individual aspects of brain function;
  • the mechanisms that ensure coordinated activity and function across the integrated brain. 

Skills


On completion of the subject students will have developed skills to:

  • evaluate and draw conclusions from experimental research findings.
  • analyse and interpret experimental data accurately on the basis of appropriate analytical methods;

Application of knowledge and skills

 

On completion of this subject students will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to:

  • critically consider ethical consequences of neuroscientific advances that extend beyond the individual to society;
  • critically analyse scientific research papers.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

512330 Human Psychophysiology 3

512309 Psychobiology of Sleep and Emotion

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
PSYC30020 The Integrated Brain
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

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

Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Assignment 1 in the form of short answer questions

  • 500 words (total)
Week 415%

Assignment 2 in the form of an essay

  • 1500 words
Week 1035%

An examination

  • 2 hours
During the examination period50%
Hurdle requirement: Each piece of assessment must be submitted.Throughout the teaching periodN/A
Hurdle requirement: Attendance of at least 80% of the laboratory classes. In case of failure to meet the attendance requirement, additional work related to the missed class activities (e.g., short 500 word essay on missed topic) will be required before a passing grade can be awarded.Throughout the teaching periodN/A

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorAmy Jordan
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 August 2020 to 1 November 2020
    Last self-enrol date14 August 2020
    Census date21 September 2020
    Last date to withdraw without fail16 October 2020
    Assessment period ends27 November 2020

    Semester 2 contact information

    Prof Amy Jordan

    ajordan@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment for this subject is 170 hours.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 9 April 2025