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
This unit bridges cognitive science and cognitive psychology on the one hand, and biology and neuroscience on the other. It is critical to understanding the link between the mind and brain. Cognitive neuroscience investigates all mental functions that are linked to neural processes and ranges from experiments performed in the laboratory to computer simulations, and can involve humans and animals. The unit consists of an integrated series of lectures, laboratories, reading and assessment and aims to provide a sound understanding of fundamental concepts and contemporary issues in cognitive neuroscience. It introduces the field and techniques of cognitive neuroscience and covers key concepts in vision, attention, action, memory, audition, language, emotion, development and executive functions.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 Online Online Restricted Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 3 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) explain the importance of the scientific method in advancing psychological knowledge; (2) describe the neural bases of selected psychological processes; (3) identify the effect of brain damage on psychological processes and how to measure that effect; (4) critically evaluate cognitive neuroscience research; (5) describe and use research tools for studying brain function relevant to psychology; and (6) present written and oral summaries of the state of knowledge of an area of cognitive neuroscience.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments; (2) in-class assessment; and (3) tests. 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)
- Associate Professor Romina Palermo
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Successful completion of
- Incompatibility
- Unit(s) PSYC2217 Cognitive Neuroscience
- Contact hours
- lectures: 1 x 2-hour session per week (for 12 weeks)
labs: 1 x 2 hours (for 5 weeks) - Note
- Enrolled students can access unit material via the LMS (Learning Management System).
Students are exposed to topics in psychology units that may cause some discomfort or distress in certain individuals (e.g. depression, suicide, trauma, eating disorders). They also require to demonstrate skills across a variety of different formats and contexts (e.g. written assessments, participation in practical work, contribution to group discussions, oral presentations, examinations), and so it is important to carefully consider whether they are able to cope with the demands of studying psychology and whether there is anything that would impact upon their ability to complete the requirements of the unit. Refer to individual unit outlines for more detailed unit information.
- 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.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.