Higher Cortical Functions
Overview
The unit provides students with the skills to review advanced techniques in cognitive neuroscience and apply these particularly to the understanding of the human brain and behaviours. It also provides knowledge of the neurophysiology and associated behavioural processes for motivation (goal directed behaviours), memory, and language.
Requisites
Equivalent
HET528 - Higher Cortical Functions (Discontinued)
01-June-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Critique techniques in cognitive neuroscience with an advanced understanding of brain and higher cognition
- Classify the pathophysiological processes associated with disorders of higher cortical function
- Evaluate scientific literature to effectively critique findings associated with empirical research
- Conduct work as a group member to synthesise and deliver a seminar presentation on an experimental journal article
- Produce scientific reports and literature reviews to publication standard
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face to Face Contact (Phasing out) Lecture | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Face to Face Contact (Phasing out) Seminar | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Specified Learning Activities (Phasing out) Various | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out) Independent Learning | 4.50 | 12 weeks | 54 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Individual | 50% | 1,2,3 |
| Literature Review | Individual | 25% | 3,5 |
| Report and Presentation | Group | 25% | 4,5 |
Content
This unit provides students with an advanced understanding of the neuroscience techniques available for measuring higher cortical function in normal and abnormal cognitions. These techniques are necessary for psychophysiology and cognitive neuroscience applications. The main cognitions to be addressed include motivational behaviours, speech and language and memory.
- Motivation (goal directed behaviours): mechanisms of eating and drinking behaviours, intracranial self-stimulation studies, non-homeostatic behaviours
- Memory: neuronal plasticity, psychophysiological studies and models, memory pathology and neuropsychology, connectionist models, disorders of memory
- Speech and Language: psychophysiological models, brain laterality and language processes, disorders of speech and language
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.