Postgraduate coursework program

Neuroscience (Learning)

Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience (Learning) 18 units

THIS PROGRAM IS A JOINT INITIATIVE OF THE THREE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES AND IS CURRENTLY MANAGED THROUGH FLINDERS UNIVERSITY.

Fast facts

• Study load: one year part-time only
• Fee: Full fee-paying
• Mode: Internal
• Mid-year intake normally offered
• Available to Australian and international students.
• GradStart Code: 2GC065

The Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience (Learning) 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. The course is currently only offered on a part-time basis and is usually taken in 2 semesters.

The program 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.

The 18-unit Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience (Learning) comprises the following four core topics:

Semester 1
Sensing and Moving, Perceiving and Acting
The Learning Brains

Semester 2
Knowing What We Know: the Neuroscience of Cognition
The Behaving Brain

Full details of the program of study and topic descriptions can be found at: http://www.flinders.edu.au/calendar/vol2/pg/GCNeuro.htm

Entry requirements

Applicants 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.

How to apply using GradStart
Three easy steps:

1. Visit the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) website.
2. Link via the GradStart button. Click on 'Want to Apply?' to begin your application.
3. Submit your application. You will be sent a confirmation email.

If you receive any correspondence from SATAC requesting further information you will need to supply what is requested. Your application cannot be processed until all requested information is received. Note: you must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia to apply through GradStart.

Course fees

See the appropriate fee schedule for Australian students.

Australian citizens, and those holding an Australian permanent humanitarian visa who meet eligibility criteria, are eligible to defer their fees through the Higher Education Loan Program (FEE-HELP). Contact Student Finance Services on (08) 8201 3143 for details.

Closing date: Semester 2, 2008 intake: 25th July, 2008.

Late applications may be considered.

Further information
Course Coordinator, Professor Ian Gibbins,
Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medicine, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel: (08) 8204 5271
Email : ian.gibbins@flinders.edu.au

General Information
The Admissions/Prospective Students Office
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel: (08) 8201 3074 or 1300 657 671 (local call cost)
Fax: (08) 8201 2580
Email: admissions@flinders.edu.au

CRICOS Registered Provider Code: 00114A