The Integrated Brain (PSYC30020)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2023 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
You’re currently viewing the 2023 version of this subject
Undergraduate programs will be delivered on campus. Graduate programs will mainly be delivered on campus, with dual-delivery and online options available to a select number of subjects within some programs.
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.

Overview

Availability
Semester 2
FeesLook 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.

Generic skills

Students will be given opportunity to develop skills:

  • in oral and written communication of scientific research.
  • to critically evaluate research findings.
  • to present and develop arguments for a position on a given topic.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

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

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Assignment 1 in the form of short answer questions

  • 500 words (total)
Hurdle requirement: For the purposes of meeting this hurdle requirement, each submitted assessment must be complete and constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task. Submitting only part of an assessment (e.g. only the title page) or an assessment on an irrelevant topic will not meet this hurdle requirement.		Week 415%

Assignment 2 in the form of an essay

  • 1500 words
Hurdle requirement: For the purposes of meeting this hurdle requirement, each submitted assessment must be complete and constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task. Submitting only part of an assessment (e.g. only the title page) or an assessment on an irrelevant topic will not meet this hurdle requirement.		Mid semester35%

An examination

  • 2 hours
Hurdle requirement: For the purposes of meeting this hurdle requirement, each submitted assessment must be complete and constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task. Submitting only part of an assessment (e.g. only the title page) or an assessment on an irrelevant topic will not meet this hurdle requirement.		During the examination period50%
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 hours2 x 1 hour lectures plus a 1 hour tutorial per week
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period24 July 2023 to 22 October 2023
    Last self-enrol date 4 August 2023
    Census date31 August 2023
    Last date to withdraw without fail22 September 2023
    Assessment period ends17 November 2023

    Semester 2 contact information

    Prof Amy Jordan

    ajordan@unimelb.edu.au

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 9 April 2025