ObjectivesThe Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience (Learning) focuses on the application of principles of modern neuroscience to understanding how people learn in the classroom environment. Therefore, the overall educational aim of the program is to provide a framework for: 1. understanding the principles of modern neuroscience; 2. critically appraising the neuroscientific literature as it applies to learning; and 3. application of the principles of neuroscience to understanding classroom practice and behaviour. These broad educational aims will be achieved through the following: * providing students with the opportunity to relate modern concepts in neuroscience to aspects of behaviour relevant to learning in a classroom environment; * using a range of modern teaching methodologies and learning environments, including problem-based learning, interactive practical sessions, and on-line tutorials, to engage students from a wide variety of backgrounds; * exposing students to current concepts in neuroscience from molecular and cellular levels through to the neuroscientific bases of behaviour; * incorporation of critical appraisal training to allow students to evaluate public domain literature on the functions of the brain and nervous system; * application of assessment methods that reflect the backgrounds of the students and their professional practice, such that assessment is an integral component of the learning process and its feedback into practice. * At the completion of this course, students will have achieved the following learning outcomes: * demonstrable capacity to interpret a range of behaviours, especially those relating to learning, in the context of concepts of modern neuroscience; * demonstrable ability to apply concepts of modern neuroscience to generate proposals to critically evaluate and potentially modify learning environments and behaviour; * demonstrable skills in the critical appraisal of neuroscientific literature in the public domain, especially as it relates to learning; * demonstrable understanding of the core concepts of modern neuroscience from molecular and cellular levels through to the neuroscientific bases of behaviour. These concepts include, but are not limited to, neurotransmission and its interactions with drugs; processing of sensory information; generation and control of motor activity; different types of memory; neural development and its relation to the acquisition of behaviour. Learning outcomes At the completion of the course, students are expected to be able to have: * demonstrable capacity to interpret a range of behaviours, especially those relating to learning, in the context of concepts of modern neuroscience; * demonstrable ability to apply concepts of modern neuroscience to generate proposals to critically evaluate and potentially modify learning environments and behaviour; * demonstrable skills in the critical appraisal of neuroscientific literature in the public domain, especially as it relates to learning; * demonstrable understanding of the core concepts of modern neuroscience from molecular and cellular levels through to the neuroscientific bases of behaviour. These concepts include, but are not limited to, neurotransmission and its interactions with drugs; processing of sensory information; generation and control of motor activity; different types of memory; neural development and its relation to the acquisition of behaviour.
Entry requirementsApplicants must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. No prior knowledge or experience in neuroscience or any other field of science is required. It will be expected that students enrolling in the Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience (Learning) will have professional experience in some field of education, but this will not be a formal prerequisite for enrolling in the program.
Academic titleGraduate Certificate in Neuroscience (Learning)
Course descriptionTHIS PROGRAM IS A JOINT INITIATIVE OF THE THREE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES AND IS CURRENTLY MANAGED THROUGH FLINDERS UNIVERSITY.
INTRODUCTION
The Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience (Learning) is an 18-unit program offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences on a Commonwealth Supported basis. The course is offered in internal mode and can be taken part-time over 2 semesters.
Note: Full fee-paying places are available on request to students who are in receipt of a scholarship which covers fee-paying student tuition fees only.
The program is designed to equip professionals working in a range of fields with a basic knowledge of modern neuroscience delivered in a context relevant to their professional practice. The programs draw on the professional and educational expertise of members of the South Australian Neuroscience Institute at Flinders University, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
PROGRAM OF STUDY [November, 2008]
To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience (Learning), a student must complete 18 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.
Semester 1
NEUR8001
Sensing and Moving, Perceiving and Acting
4.5
NEUR8002
The Learning Brain
4.5
Semester 2
NEUR8003
Knowing What We Know: the Neuroscience of Cognition