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The Integrated Brain (PSYC30020)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Prof Amy Jordan
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery |
|---|---|
| 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
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: 7 September 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
512330 Human Psychophysiology 3
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: 7 September 2023
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Assignment 1 in the form of short answer questions
| Week 4 | 15% |
Assignment 2 in the form of an essay
| Week 10 | 35% |
An examination
| During the examination period | 50% |
| Hurdle requirement: Each piece of assessment must be submitted. | Throughout the teaching period | N/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 period | N/A |
Last updated: 7 September 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Amy Jordan Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 25 July 2022 to 23 October 2022 Last self-enrol date 5 August 2022 Census date 31 August 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 23 September 2022 Assessment period ends 18 November 2022 Semester 2 contact information
Prof Amy Jordan
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment for this subject is 170 hours.
Last updated: 7 September 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
No prescribed text. A reading pack will be made available.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Diploma in Psychology Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Psychology Major Psychology - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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.
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
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 7 September 2023