psy3nbc neural base of conscious
NEURAL BASES OF CONSCIOUSNESS
PSY3NBC
Not currently offered
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject introduces students to the emerging and burgeoning scientific study of consciousness. This introduction will cover ways in which subjective experiences and phenomenology are now being examined empirically across many disciplines, including neurobiology, medicine, cognitive psychology, and functional neuroimaging. The recent boom in research in this field has not only led to a better understanding of consciousness and the human mind but it has also sparked considerable philosophical and ethical debates, which will also be covered in some detail in this subject.
SchoolSchool of Psychology & Public Health
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorPhilippe Chouinard
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites PSY1BNA or PSY1BNB or BIO1OF or BIO1GEN or BIO1CO or by approval from the subject coordinator.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Write a critical systematic review of biological aspects of consciousness and how they influence behaviour.
- Activities:
- Students will be introduced to the concept of systematic review and the basic process of meta-analysis through neuroscientific examples in tutorials that will lead to the independent writing of a critical review.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
02. Identify and describe the most appropriate technique for the measurement of several different biological aspects of consciousness.
- Activities:
- Tutorial discussion will centre on examination of neuroscientific techniques introduced in lectures with knowledge to be tested appropriately. Tutorial-based formative exercises will involve examination of different neuroscientific experimental techniques, common errors in assumptions in application and their appropriate use. Students will conduct informal group presentations to class and tutor will provide immediate feedback and discussion.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Writing(Writing)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
03. Develop and present a Poster on a particular neural network or area of the brain and its role in conscious and unconscious behaviour.
- Activities:
- In groups, students will select from a number of topics presented in lectures and develop a discussion and display poster with an associated in-class presentation.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
04. Describe and evaluate differences between fundamental molecular mechanisms of brain function necessary for sleep as opposed to coma.
- Activities:
- Concepts will be discussed in lectures and tutorials and assessed as part of the critical review and exam questions. Tutorial-based formative exercises will involve examination of concepts surrounding healthy, homeostatic brain function compared to issues of cell damage and cell death. Students will conduct informal group presentations to class and tutor will provide immediate feedback and discussion.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
05. Identify ethical principles underlying neuroscientific investigation of systems biology and consciousness in particular in animals and humans.
- Activities:
- Concepts will be discussed in lectures and tutorials and assessed as part of the critical review and exam questions.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Writing(Writing)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Subject options
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