Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

Inside our heads, weighing about 1.5 kg, the brain is an astonishing organ consisting of billions of tiny cells. With our extraordinary brains, we sense the world around us, process information and interact with our environment and the living beings within it. Over history, our brains have contribute to complex and mysterious behaviours in many different cultures and societies. The human brain is the most complex organ of the body and arguably the most complex thing on earth!

In this unit, students become explorers of the human brain and the behaviours that it underpins. Each week, the unit describes the most up to date information about how the brain is involved in a particular aspect of human behaviour. It then extends and challenges students' thinking to consider the significance and impact of this behaviour on ourselves and on society. It helps students to seek a new way to approach some of the really challenging and important questions in life such as—What is beauty? Why do we have wars? How does the brain process mystical and religious experiences? Why do we love music? Why are jokes funny?

The objectives of the unit are to (1) explore how big issues in our multicultural society can be explored and addressed by studying the brain; (2) experience the challenges of global communication via social media; (3) integrate science and creativity to explore global issues in society; (4) encourage students to experience creative thinking in a multidisciplinary learning environment; and (5) engage in a creative process that is inspired by scientific data.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 1 core unit in the Neuroscience; Human Science and Neuroscience major sequences
  • Level 1 option in the Humanities in Health and Medicine major sequence
  • Level 1 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) show multidisciplinary understanding of human behaviours at a global level; (2) communicate across disciplines to integrate Neuroscience with an important issue in society; (3) explain how complex behaviours in individuals, cultures and societies are underpinned by brain function and organisation; (4) create an original artwork; and (5) generate a piece of scientific writing.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) online activities; (2) major assignment: creative work and scientific writing; and (3) interactive discussion sessions. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Dominique Blache and Associate Professor Jennifer Rodger and Dr Paula Fuller-Carter
Contact hours
lectures: 2 x 1 hour per week
online activities: 2.5 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.