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Neuroscience and the Mind (PSYC30018)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
How does the human brain—a vast, interconnected ensemble of cells—give rise to a mind capable of writing poetry, playing chess, and doing calculus? Understanding the neural underpinnings of the mental processes responsible for such complex activities is the central aim of cognitive neuroscience, the field of study dedicated to an integrated understanding of brain and mind. In this subject, students will be exposed to conceptual, methodological, and ethical issues at the centre of current debates in the field. Specifically, we will explore how brain-behaviour relationships are identified and used to inform models of cognition; methods of measuring and influencing cerebral activity; the neural mechanisms underlying a wide range of mental processes, such as attention, perception, and memory; and the implications of advances in our knowledge of the brain for psychiatric and neurological populations and society at large.
Intended learning outcomes
Knowledge
On completion of the subject students should demonstrate knowledge of:
- The key research findings that underpin specific domains of cognitive neurosciences
- The strengths and limitations of cognitive neuroscience methods used to examine the relationship between brain function and behaviour
- How dysfunction in cortical systems is associated with symptoms of neurologic and psychiatric conditions
- Ethical considerations of conducting and interpreting human and animal cognitive neuroscience research
Skills
On completion of the subject students will have had the opportunity to develop skills in:
- Critically evaluating studies using cognitive neuroscience methods to examine brain and behaviour relationships
- Identifying and justifying meaningful and appropriate methods of investigation for cognitive neuroscience research questions
- Interpreting data accurately on the basis of appropriate analytical methods
- Evaluating and drawing conclusions from research findings so as to inform different levels of society: individual clients, policymakers, health professionals
- Communicating psychological research findings effectively in oral and written formats
Application of knowledge and skills
On completion of this subject students should be able to apply their knowledge and skills to:
- Provide a critical evaluation of cognitive neuroscience evidence so as to inform individual or collective decision making
- Conduct, statistically analyse and evaluate cognitive neuroscience methods to answer a psychological question
- Oral debate of cognitive neuroscience research approaches to discovering new basic knowledge and clinical aetiology
Generic skills
Students will be given appropriate opportunity and educational support to develop skills to:
- critically evaluate studies exploring the relation between the brain and behaviour
- test hypotheses, analyse and interpret data and to communicate scientific research effectively
- develop skills in the oral and written communication of scientific research
Last updated: 19 September 2024