Handbook home
Neuroscience and Psychopharmacology (PSYC90083)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 6.25On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
The subject provides a cognitive neuroscience perspective on the brain mechanisms underlying cognitive processes that are commonly impaired in conditions confronted by neuropsychologists. The subject will describe the basic cognitive neuroscience (e.g., cortical structure, function and psychopharmacology) underpinning critical cognitive processes such as memory, executive function and attention, and application to understanding dysfunction of these processes in clinical conditions. Additionally, the subject will provide students with an introduction to medications used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
Knowledge
- Identify the strengths and weakness of cognitive neuroscience methods, including MRI, EEG and TMS, to be a better consumer of clinical research where such methods are applied;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the neural mechanisms, including structure, function and chemical processes, that underpin key cognitive and emotional processes;
- Develop a comprehensive knowledge of the classes of psychotropic medications and an understanding of the indications for their use;
- Explain the pharmacological basis of the mechanism of action of psychotropic medications and their common side effects.
Skills
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Identify how and when basic cognitive neuroscience findings from healthy populations should be applied to understanding the brain behaviour relationship in clinical conditions;
- Demonstrate skills in the critical evaluation of published material relating to the use of psychotropic medications and their impact on neuropsychological function.
Application of Knowledge and Skills
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Provide a coherent written argument that accurately communicates their critical evaluation of cognitive neuroscience research – that has examined the cognitive and emotional sequela of clinical condition;
- Integrate their understanding of psychotropic medications and their use and actions with their knowledge of psychopathology, neuropsychological disorders and treatment planning.
Generic skills
critical thinking, ability to identify the strengths and weakness of each cognitive neuroscience method to be a better consumer of clinical research where such methods are applied
hypothesis testing and translationalism, taking basic cognitive neuroscience findings from healthy populations and apply them to understanding the brain behaviour relationship in clinical conditions
written communication skills, use of developed verbal skills to explain the complex relationship between brain, behaviour and cognitive impairment in neuropsychological conditions
Last updated: 8 November 2024