PSYC373-26S1 (C) Semester One 2026

Neuroscience and Neurological Disorders

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 16 February 2026
End Date: Sunday, 21 June 2026
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 1 March 2026
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 10 May 2026

Description

This course will examine neural systems in the brain with a view to understanding the neurobiological, psychiatric and cognitive bases of a selected number of human neurological conditions. The topics may vary from year to year but will include memory and related systems in the brain, as well as neurodegenerative conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and different dementias including Alzheimer's disease. Neurodevelopmental changes and related issues, for example foetal alcohol effects, may also be considered. Some understanding of neuroscience methods will be included, especially brain imaging and neuropsychopharmacology.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should:
1. Understand the basics of neurons, the geography of the mammalian brain and some key neural systems.
2. Be able to critically assess the underlying features of some common neurological disorders. These will vary from year to year but are likely to be selected from: amnesic conditions; neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease; neurodevelopmental disorders, such as foetal alcohol spectrum and schizophrenia; multiple sclerosis; acute brain injury, such as stroke or traumatic brain injury. This will include consideration of theoretical and experimental issues with respect to their neurobiology, neuropsychological processes, and potentials for intervention and/or functional recovery.
3. Have an introductory understanding of basic neuropsychopharmacology relevant to some of the neurological disorders.
4. Be familiar with some neuroscience methods in animals and in humans, including brain imaging and genetic modifications of neural activity.

Prerequisites

Psyc105, PSYC206 and PSYC215

Restrictions

PSYC333

Timetable 2026

Students must attend one activity from each section.

Lecture A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Thursday 09:00 - 10:00 A5 Lecture Theatre
16 Feb - 29 Mar
20 Apr - 31 May
Lecture B
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Friday 13:00 - 14:00 Jack Erskine 031 Lecture Theatre
16 Feb - 29 Mar
20 Apr - 31 May
Lab A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Wednesday 13:00 - 15:00 Psychology - Sociology 545
23 Feb - 29 Mar
20 Apr - 31 May
02 Wednesday 10:00 - 12:00 Psychology - Sociology 545
23 Feb - 29 Mar
20 Apr - 31 May
03 Tuesday 14:00 - 16:00 Psychology - Sociology 545
23 Feb - 29 Mar
20 Apr - 31 May
04 Tuesday 16:00 - 18:00 Psychology - Sociology 545
23 Feb - 29 Mar
20 Apr - 31 May

Course Coordinator

John Dalrymple-Alford

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Laboratory Test (Sheep Brain) and Lab Questions 16%
Mid-course Lecture Test on all Term 1 lecture material 36%
Quizzes at the start of the lectures 12%
Final exam 36%

Additional Course Outline Information

Notes

Beyond introductory chapters, a textbook is not followed; lecture slides / handouts and/or extra material will cover the topics in question. Introductory material can be found in the textbook, Carlson, N. Physiology of Behavior (12th or 11th edition; previous editions will be relevant also).

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,099.00

International fee $5,388.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing .

All PSYC373 Occurrences

  • PSYC373-26S1 (C) Semester One 2026