Key facts
UNE unit code: NEUR546
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
What drives antisocial and criminal behaviour? This unit explores the cutting-edge field of neurocriminology, examining how brain structures and functioning, biochemical abnormalities, genetics, psychophysiology and environmental factors influence deviant behaviour.
You’ll learn how neurophysiological, neuroimaging, and neuropsychiatric assessment methods are used to identify the neurobiological characteristics of these behaviours. This unit also critically examines the potential—and the limitations—of neuroscience in detecting, predicting, and preventing antisocial and criminal behaviour, offering insight into the rapidly growing intersection of neuroscience and criminology.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 3 | 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 specialised knowledge of the key issues surrounding the use of neuroscientific principles and methods in the understanding of antisocial and criminal behaviour;
- demonstrate extensive and well-developed cognitive and technical skills to review research and clinical literature regarding the proposed neurobiological aspects of antisocial and criminal behaviour;
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of the genetic, developmental and environmental risk factors for deviance and criminal offending;
- apply advanced level knowledge and expert judgement in the analysis of research findings in the emerging field of neurocriminology; and
- demonstrate self-directed learning in the fields of neuroscience and criminology.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Literature Review | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Review the evidence-based neurobiological associations between neurodevelopmental disorders and criminals offending.
|
| Quizzes | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Students 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.
|
| Viva Voce - Assurance task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Students will participate in a 20-minute interactive online interview with the assessor in which they discuss the scientific literature on the genetic and environmental risk factors of criminal offending. The assessor will ask 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. |
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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We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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