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Behavioural & Cognitive Neuroscience (PSYC40004)

HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
July
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Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience brings together the experimental and modelling techniques of cognitive psychology with the measurement and imaging methods of neuroscience to explain how mental processes such as perceptions, memories, and thoughts are implemented in the living, functioning brain.

This subject comprises a series of seminars exploring the mind-brain as a system that can be investigated and explained at different scales and levels of complexity, from single-cell recordings of firing neurons, to the modular systems involved in visual, spatial and auditory cognition, to the networks of neural circuits that link regions of the brain and underpin complex cognitive processes involved in attention, learning, memory, language, decision-making, and consciousness. The seminars may also explore the ways in which neuroscience informs our understanding of how behaviour, cognition and neurobiology are influenced by internal and external factors such as emotions and personality traits, pharmacological substances, sleep states of consciousness, and psychopathology.

Students will gain an appreciation of the integrative nature of cognitive and behavioural neurosciences, and of the range of methods used within the field, including methods for stimulating and recording from living neurons, methods for imaging brain structure and functioning, and techniques for modelling cognitive processes and mapping these to the underlying neural circuitry. Students will learn to evaluate the strengths and limitations of the various methods, and to assess their applicability for addressing particular research questions.

Intended learning outcomes

Knowledge: On completion of this subject students should demonstrate an understanding of:

  • current theories, models, experimental methods, and debates in the behavioural and cognitive neurosciences;
  • the experimental and modelling techniques used in behavioural and cognitive neuroscience and how they are used to investigate and explain cognitive processes and behaviour at different levels of scale and complexity;
  • The strengths and limitations of the different experimental techniques used in neuroscience research.

Skills: On completion of this subject students should have developed competency in:

  • evaluating current perspectives on human cognition and its neurobiological underpinnings;
  • identifying appropriate experimental techniques to conduct research into the biological basis of cognitive processes and human behaviours;
  • communication: including written reports and research proposals in formats consistent with those commonly used within the field of cognitive and behavioural neuroscience.

Application of knowledge and skills: On completion of this subject students should be able to apply their knowledge and skills to:

  • Critically evaluate neuroscience research studies and techniques;
  • Write essays and research proposals that demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical basis and experimental assessment of the biological underpinnings of human cognition and behaviour.

Generic skills

Students in this subject will be given appropriate opportunity and educational support to develop skills in:

  • analysis and construction of arguments
  • written communication in academic assignments and reports
  • verbal communication in presenting information in small group formats
  • workload planning and task management

Last updated: 31 January 2024

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

An accredited psychology major sequence

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: 31 January 2024

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Formative assessment of the content of the first four weeks of seminars, which may take the form of online quizzes, a take-home exam, or short answer questions.

Week 410%

Essay.

  • 1,500-2,000 words
Week 840%

A written examination consisting of multiple-choice questions, short answer questions or essays.

  • 2 hours
During the examination period50%
Hurdle requirement: Attendance at 80% or more of 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: 31 January 2024

Dates & times

  • July
    Principal coordinatorJacob Paul
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursThirty-six hours of lectures and/or seminars.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period22 July 2024 to 4 October 2024
    Last self-enrol date 6 August 2024
    Census date16 August 2024
    Last date to withdraw without fail11 October 2024
    Assessment period ends15 November 2024

    July contact information

    Principal Coordinator:

    Dr Jacob Paul
    jacob.paul@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 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.

Additional delivery details

Please note that classes are usually taught during the first nine weeks of semester 2 by way of 2 x classes each week of 120 mins/2 hours each.

Last updated: 31 January 2024

Further information

Last updated: 31 January 2024