Key facts
UNE unit code: NEUR544
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
From birth through to adulthood, explore how the brain changes over time and the factors influencing these changes. This unit will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the normal changes that occur in the brain with healthy aging, as well as the effects of genetic and environment factors on disease processes.
You will examine a range of diseases of the aging brain, with a particular focus on Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Vascular Dementia. From this foundation, you will also learn about the current clinical diagnostic methods and treatment approaches for diseases of the aging brain.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
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)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad understanding of brain development from birth through to adulthood;
- demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of how the natural aging process affects brain function;
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of how genetic and environmental factors contribute to disease processes and effect brain function from childhood dementia to atypical aging in older adults;
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of the diagnostic methods used to detect and analyse dementia in adult patients; and
- apply advanced level knowledge and expert judgement in the analysis of research findings in the clinical field of dementia.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case study on diagnostic methods in dementia. | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Case Study No of Words: 3000 |
| Literature review of the typical and atypical neurological processes that occur with aging. | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Literature Review No of Words: 3500 |
| Quiz based assessment of knowledge of the aging brain and the development of dementia including disease mechanisms and clinical diagnostic methods. | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Five (5) quizzes of 10 questions each; each quiz is worth 6%. No of Words: 1000 |
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.
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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
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