Key facts
UNE unit code: LLM539
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2025
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
![UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/62891086779/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445517/e=never/k=556aef9a/fall-back_unit-image.jpg)
Significant advances in neuroscience technology have dramatically improved our ability to access the structures and functions of living brains. Increasingly, neuroscience can offer explanations for human behaviour, thought, memory and responsibility. Moreover, the implications of neuroscience research are impacting on legal doctrine and reasoning.
The first shockwave was felt in criminal law, where traditional concepts of responsibility and intention were challenged by neurological evidence. Neuroscience is now increasingly impacting in other legal fields such as discrimination, privacy, national security and health.
In this unit, you will explore the legal implications of neuroscience as well as build transferable critical thinking, legal reasoning and analytical skills in a rapidly evolving field.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
![profile photo of Aileen Kennedy](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0015/30903/varieties/69x77.png)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of legal reception of developing neuroscientific research which has implications for law and legal process;
- use initiative and judgement to critically analyse and evaluate the capacity of orthodox legal rules to incorporate emerging neuroscientific discoveries;
- demonstrate an ability to employ the skills of legal research techniques, reasoning and argument to develop independent opinions on the legal implications of neuroscientific claims; and the possible responses of legal institutions to novel neuroscientific research; and
- demonstrate a well-developed ability to act independently to present a clear and coherent exposition referring to the relevant knowledge that evidences legal research, legal reasoning and professional judgement.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Exercise | Yes | 20% | All offerings | |
Research Essay | Yes | 50% | All offerings | No. Words: 3000 |
Take Home Exam | Yes | 30% | All offerings |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024![Woman studying online at home](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0018/342720/studying-online-01.jpg)
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
![Graduate and mother Claire Haiek at work as a parenting producer at kidspot.com.au](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/63307469788/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445464/e=never/k=97363331/Claire-Haiek-3.jpg)
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.