Course overview
This course aims to provide an introduction into neurological mechanisms that give rise to human behaviour and how behaviour in turn modifies neural circuits. Students will explore constructs from the social expression of behaviour to the dynamics of neural circuits to the role of molecular cascades within individual neurons in driving behavioural processes. Behaviours covered will range from perception and basic drives to complex concepts of emotional processing, cognitive function and consciousness. Students will undertake a research project to develop research skills: forming collaborations, presenting research findings and responding to critical questions. This course builds upon prerequisite knowledge in neuroscience and neuroanatomy. It aligns with program objectives to develop foundational knowledge of the neural underpinnings of brain-behaviour relationships, with the wider aim of positioning students to explore changes in these circuits in neurological and psychiatric disease in future courses. Further, this course enhances the research and communication skills, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, that are core to the program and essential for advanced study in neuroscience.
Course learning outcomes
- Explain the development and maturation of the brain over the human life span
- Demonstrate understanding of the biological mechanisms that underlie sensory processing, motor control, learning, memory and language
- Identify the brain mechanisms related to drives and emotional states and explain the effects of dysregulation of these systems
- Apply knowledge of human anatomy to identify the brain regions involved in the regulation of behaviour and cognition
- Evaluate the applications of behavioural neuroscience for understanding human health and disease
- Utilise insight of current research issues to critically evaluate primary literature in the field of neuroscience
- Develop skills necessary for a professional in the sciences including: working collaboratively, identifying research questions, conducting literature searches, writing and presenting research outputs