Key facts
UNE unit code: NEUR533
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Consolidate your understanding and draw on the knowledge gained in Neurobiology I and Neuroanatomy to explore complex, cutting-edge concepts in neuroscience.
This unit focuses on how constellations of neurons form complex circuits to perform common functions. We examine normal function and the major pathological conditions that affect these systems, building a valuable understanding of systems neuroscience.
Topics include the chemical control of brain and behaviour, motivation, sex, emotions, language, attention and consciousness, and the plasticity underpinning learning and memory.
This unit encourages you to apply your knowledge and extend your scientific skills using self-directed learning and autonomy. You will have opportunities to hone your communication abilities, sharing ideas verbally and through written tasks as you assess core neurobiology principles and critically review current research in the field.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | 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:
- exhibit an advanced broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of neuroscience with depth in the concepts and ideas underlying systems neuroscience;
- apply critical thinking and analytic skills to the evaluation of analyse and evaluate information regarding how constellations of neurons form complex circuits to perform common functions;
- transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to others both verbally and in written formats;
- Demonstrate extensive and well-developed cognitive skills in the field of systems neuroscience;
- demonstrate autonomy and judgement to exhibit a sound knowledge of systems neuroscience; and
- demonstrate self-directed learning in the field of systems neuroscience.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Examination -Assurance Task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Assessment of knowledge, evaluation and analysis of motor control, motivation, sex, emotions, language, attention and consciousness, and the plasticity underpinning learning and memory. It is mandatory to pass this examination in order to pass this unit. |
| Literature Review | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Critical evaluation of current research in the field of systems neuroscience. It is mandatory to pass this assessment in order to pass this unit. No. Words: 3500 |
| Online Quiz | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Assessment of knowledge, evaluation and analysis of motor control, motivation, sex, emotions, language, attention and consciousness, and the plasticity underpinning learning and memory. No. Words: 100 |
| Online Quiz | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Assessment of knowledge, evaluation and analysis of motor control, motivation, sex, emotions, language, attention and consciousness, and the plasticity underpinning learning and memory. No. Words: 100 |
| Online Quiz | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Assessment of knowledge, evaluation and analysis of motor control, motivation, sex, emotions, language, attention and consciousness, and the plasticity underpinning learning and memory. No. Words: 100 |
| Online Quiz | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Assessment of knowledge, evaluation and analysis of motor control, motivation, sex, emotions, language, attention and consciousness, and the plasticity underpinning learning and memory. No. Words: 100 |
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.
Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain
ISBN: 9781284286878
Bear, M.F., Connors, B.W. and Paradiso, M.A., Jones & Bartlett Learning 5th ed. 2025
Text refers to: All offerings
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