Key facts
UNE unit code: LLM539
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2027
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Significant advances in neuroscience technology have dramatically improved our ability to access the structures and functions of living brains. Increasingly, neuroscience can offer explanations for human behaviour, thought, memory and responsibility. Moreover, the implications of neuroscience research are impacting on legal doctrine and reasoning.
The first shockwave was felt in criminal law, where traditional concepts of responsibility and intention were challenged by neurological evidence. Neuroscience is now increasingly impacting in other legal fields such as discrimination, privacy, national security and health.
In this unit, you will explore the legal implications of neuroscience as well as build transferable critical thinking, legal reasoning and analytical skills in a rapidly evolving field.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of legal reception of developing neuroscientific research which has implications for law and legal process;
- use initiative and judgement to critically analyse and evaluate the capacity of orthodox legal rules to incorporate emerging neuroscientific discoveries;
- demonstrate an ability to employ the skills of legal research techniques, reasoning and argument to develop independent opinions on the legal implications of neuroscientific claims; and the possible responses of legal institutions to novel neuroscientific research; and
- demonstrate a well-developed ability to act independently to present a clear and coherent exposition referring to the relevant knowledge that evidences legal research, legal reasoning and professional judgement.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise | Yes | 20% | All offerings | |
| Research Essay | Yes | 50% | All offerings | No. Words: 3000 |
| Take Home Exam | Yes | 30% | All offerings |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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