Behavioural & Cognitive Neuroscience (PSYC40004)
HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
July
Principal Coordinator:
Dr Jacob Paul
jacob.paul@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | July |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
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: 4 March 2025
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
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 4 | 10% |
Essay.
| Week 8 | 40% |
A written examination consisting of multiple-choice questions, short answer questions or essays.
| During the examination period | 50% |
| 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 period | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- July
Principal coordinator Jacob Paul Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Thirty-six hours of lectures and/or seminars. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 10 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 12 August 2025 Census date 22 August 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 17 October 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 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: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) Course Master of Commerce (Accounting) Informal specialisation Psychology
Last updated: 4 March 2025