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) Availability Location Mode Semester 2 UWA (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 Jamie Beros, Dr Dominique Blache and Associate Professor Jennifer Rodger
- 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.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
- 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.