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: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into the 527CN Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology), 527CL Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology), 080CL Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)/Doctor of Philosophy, 080CN Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology)/Doctor of Philosophy
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Completion of APAC-accredited psychology studies to fourth-year (Honours) level
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
2 x MCQ quizzes based on material presented in Weeks 1-6
| From Week 3 to Week 6 | 60% |
One written assignment based on material presented in Weeks 9-12
| After the completion of the teaching period. | 40% |
| Hurdle requirement: Hurdle requirement of at least 80% attendance at all coursework and seminar activities associated with this subject. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Rob Hester Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 1.5 hours of lectures/seminars per week for 12 weeks Total time commitment 85 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
85 hours
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology)/Doctor of Philosophy Course Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology)
Last updated: 4 March 2025