Neuroscience and the Mind (PSYC30018)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2025 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks

Overview

Availability
Semester 1
FeesLook 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: 9 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

512350 Brain, Cognition and Behaviour 3

512307 Neuroscience and the Mind

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

One written report

  • 1500 words
Week 635%

MCQ

  • 30 minutes
Week 715%

Examination

  • 2 hours
During the examination period50%
Hurdle requirement: Attendance of at least 7 of the practical lab classes is a hurdle requirement. In case of failure to meet the hurdle requirement, additional work will be required before a passing grade can be awarded. Throughout the teaching periodN/A

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorJason Forte
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Principal Coordinator:

    Dr Jason Forte
    jdf@unimelb.edu.au 

     

     

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment for this subject is 170 hours.

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 9 April 2025