Key facts
UNE unit code: NEUR540
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

This unit provides you with an introduction to the neurological pathophysiology of depression, plus an evaluation of treatments based on neurobiological processes.
You will examine a range of topics including ‘subtypes’ of depression, alongside genetic, neurochemical, endocrine, immunological, neuroanatomical and behavioural factors in the development of depression.
Furthermore, you will explore how these combine to form a multifactorial model of depression, as well as consider treatments based on these factors.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
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 an advanced understanding of the sub-types of depression;
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of the neurobiological factors and processes associated with depression;
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of how genetic, neurochemical, endocrine, immunological, neuroanatomical, and behavioural factors combine to form a model of depression;
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of treatments for depression that are based upon these neurobiological factors; and
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of particular neurological ‘pathways’ and specific treatment needs for depression sub-types.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Online Case Discussion - Assurance Task | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Students will engage in a 20-minute discussion of neurobiologically-based treatment approaches for a depression case study. The approaches must be arranged in a hierarchy according to the empirical evidence of treatment efficacy. The student will present to the assessor live online via zoom. During this time students will also answer a minimum of five questions. It is mandatory to achieve a minimum of 50% to pass this assessment. Students must pass this assessment to be eligible to pass the unit.
|
| Literature Review | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Students will write a review, based on the scientific literature, of the neurobiological and environmental contributors to depression and its sub-types. No. Words: 3500 It is mandatory to complete and submit this assessment in order to pass the unit. |
| Viva Voce - Assurance Task | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Students will participate in a 20-minute interactive online interview with the assessor during which they will discuss the analysis of findings from assessment 2 literature review. The assessor will ask a minimum of five questions to evaluate the student’s understanding of the research. It is mandatory to achieve a minimum of 50% to pass this assessment. Students must pass this assessment to be eligible to pass the unit.
|
| Online Quizzes | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Students will complete two (2) online quizzes worth 10%. Each quiz is comprised of 10 multiple choice questions. No. Words: 1000 It is mandatory to attempt all quizzes in order to pass the unit. |
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.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Understanding and Treating Depression Biological, Psychological and Behavioural Perspectives
CF Sharpley, Tilde 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
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