Course overview
The aim of this course is to provide a multidisciplinary understanding of Biological Psychiatry by providing a general overview of the Biological Psychiatry field, exploring the biological basis of prevalent psychiatric disorders affecting Australia (including First Nations people) and the rest of the world, investigation of the causes and potential therapeutic interventions for psychiatric disorders. The course content will include genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology and neurobiology perspectives of psychiatric disease. This course builds upon prerequisite knowledge of the structure and function of the human nervous system, to explore how these are affected by major psychiatric disorders.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of core topics in contemporary Biological Psychiatry using an interdisciplinary approach
- Apply foundational knowledge of Biological Psychiatry to discuss the brain basis of the most common psychiatric disorders
- Identify some of the major psychiatric disorders affecting Australia and compare this to other Western societies
- Discuss the complexity and heterogeneity of psychiatric disorders and how this impacts upon the diagnosis and treatment of patients, with a particular focus on the impacts on First Nations people
- Describe some of the major research approaches and techniques currently being employed to further our understanding of Biological Psychiatry
- Analyse the ethical issues that impact upon the field of Biological Psychiatry and how these influence research and clinical practice
- Develop skills necessary to find, organise, evaluate, synthesise and communicate scientific information both independently and within a team