Neuroscience

Neuroscience has been described as the fastest growing discipline in biomedical research (USA Bureau of Labor). At UNE, we provide several qualification pathways for you to achieve a qualification in Neuroscience, working with staff in the Brain-Behaviour Research Group within the School of Science and Technology

As an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Science (BSc), you can study a major in Neuroscience within your degree.  The Program of Study, which lists the approved units for the Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience) can be found in the Courses and Units Catalogue.  You will also be able to find more information on specific units in the Neuroscience major  simply type in the unit code, eg. NEUR330, in the "Unit" field under "Quick Search" on the left hand side of the screen and press "Go".

As a postgraduate student you can study the Master of Neuroscience, Master of Neuroscience and Education, or Master of Neuroscience and Business.

Alternatively, students may enroll in each of these three areas of study at the Graduate Certificate level, or the Graduate Diploma level

You will study a range of topics such as neurobiology, neuroanatomy, clinical neuroscience and behavioural neuroscience, plus specialized studies.

If you complete one of the  Graduate Certificates in a particular field, you will be eligible to enrol for the Graduate Diploma in that field, or the Master in that field. Depending on your studies, you  may be granted advanced standing (credit) for up to four units.  Likewise, if you complete one of the Graduate Diplomas in  a particular field  before enrolling in the Master of Neuroscience, you may be granted advanced standing for up to eight units.

If you are a Higher Degree Research student and already have a relevant degree, you can complete the Master of Science in Neuroscience and graduate with the MSc (Neuroscience).

Neuroscience at UNE includes a range of research methodologies, ranging from biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, behavioural, clinical and medical psychology, computer modelling and physiology. These techniques are used to focus our research on two major areas of clinical importance:

  1. Depression
  2. Autism

Pre-clinical and animal studies are also available in these fields.

Research projects are available in all these areas, using human and animal models and working in our laboratories with the staff listed below. All of these projects have the common theme of understanding neural processes and linking them with behaviour to describe clinical phenomena.

Staff and Research Areas

Professor Chris Sharpley (UNE): Depression and anxiety as functional behavioural responses to overwhelming environmental stressors; Subtypes of Depression; Anxiety & depression among children with an ASD and prostate cancer patients.

Professor Vicki Bitsika (UNE): Autism Spectrum Disorders; Anxiety and depression; Psycho-Oncology; Functional Behavioural Analysis.

Professor Christian Cook (UNE): Biology of stress and human performance

Dr Adam Hamlin (UNE): Pre-clinical studies of depression and anxiety.

Dr Nicholas Andronicos (UNE): Proteomic and genomic analysis of depression.

Dr Mary McMillan (UNE): Genetic and biological markers of mental health disorders.

Dr Phillip Fourie (UNE): Patient-centred assessment and treatment of anxiety disorder.

Dr Shabah Shadl (UNE); Biomarkers of Anxiety and Depression

SCI501, SCI502 and SCI505 Information

Extra Information for students studying SCI501 and SCI502 within the Master of Neuroscience.

Extra Information for students studying SCI505 within the Master of Neuroscience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a background knowledge of Neuroscience to be able to enrol for one of the postgraduate courses in Neuroscience?

Not necessarily - we do have defined areas of relevance to Neuroscience as listed below but we also accept applications for enrolment if you are able to demonstrate you have relevant professional experience or an interest in the general field of Neuroscience. The postgraduate degrees in Neuroscience at UNE are structured so that you will start with introductory-level studies that will prepare you for further study as you progress through the 8 core level units.

The  areas relevant to Neuroscience have been defined as:

  • Science
  • Medicine
  • Psychology
  • Nursing
  • Social Work
  • Education
  • Health
  • Counselling
  • Other similar areas as determined by the Course Coordinator.

What will I actually be studying in a Neuroscience course?

The following courses are available:

Can I go onto further study in Neuroscience?

On completion of the Graduate Certificate or the Graduate Diploma you will be eligible to enrol for the Master of Neuroscience.

If you complete the Research Pathway, including the thesis, in the Master of Neuroscience you will be eligible to apply to enrol for a research Master’s degree or a PhD.

Will I have to re-locate to Armidale complete a course in Neuroscience?

All of our Neuroscience courses are offered online on a part-time basis, allowing you to balance study with work and other commitments. You would usually be required to attend the UNE for some periods of time if you take the Research Pathway, so that you could consult with your thesis supervisor.

How does online study work?

UNE is at the forefront of online learning.

You will access your materials via our Student Portal myUNE. Teaching material including study timetables, details of assessments, topic notes, readings, podcasts, discussion spaces and links to online resources are located on our Learning Management System, myLearn. Your lecturer will interact with you via myLearn and is also available by email or phone.

You are able to purchase textbooks through the UNE Life Shop.

You are also able to access the facilities and services of Dixson Library.

How long does it take to complete a course in Neuroscience?

  • for the Graduate Certificate you will have up to two years as a part-time candidate or one trimester as a full-time candidate
  • if you wish to complete the Graduate Diploma you will have up to four years as a part-time candidate or one year as a full-time candidate
  • the Master permits you up to six years as a part-time candidate or up to two years as a full-time candidate

How much will it cost?

All Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available on a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) basis (please note:  quotas do apply) or a Full-Fee basis.  The Master degree is a Full Fee-paying course.   Go to Tuition Fees for further details.

How do I apply?

Go to How to apply and follow the instructions.

I’ve completed study at another university – can I get advanced standing (credit) for that?

If you have completed study at another tertiary institution you are able to apply for Advanced Standing (please note:  this is a separate process to applying to enrol for the course).

When I’m actually enrolling for a course, how do I select which units I should be completing?  How do I plan my study?

  • All units approved for your course are listed in the Program of Study for your course.
  • If your course includes Core Units, you will need to commence your study with these units. This is particularly important in the Master degree as the topics you cover in the Core Units will inform your decision on the particular area of Neuroscience you wish to concentrate on when completing the Research/Capstone Experience units.
  • It is very strongly recommended that you follow the Course Plans provided for your course.  These have been developed by taking into account unit pre-requisite, co-requisite and timetabling requirements.

Who can I contact for further information and advice on admission requirements and programs of study?

If you interested in studying Neuroscience at undergraduate level please contact Associate Professor Adam Hamlin. Alternatively if you are interested at studying Neuroscience at a postgraduate level please contact the Course Coordinator for the Master of Neuroscience Professor Christopher Sharpley.

Contacts

Enquiries about studying Neuroscience at UNE can be made to Associate Professor Adam Hamlin in relation to undergraduate study or to Professor Christopher Sharpley in regard to postgraduate study.

For general and administrative enquiries, AskUNE