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Postgraduate coursework degrees

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Overview

Traditionally research has been divided into a series of distinct departmental specialties, but as science has advanced it has become clear that the study of human biology and behaviour is fragmented and the traditional divisions within health research may be a barrier to the progress of scientific discovery. The further advancement of research into the amelioration of disorders of the brain and mind can be optimally achieved in a model which acknowledges the integral link between laboratory and clinical research.

The postgraduate coursework available at the BMRI strongly promotes the idea of interdisciplinary research, broadening the scope of investigation to address disease areas of the brain and mind rather than disparate biomedical disciplines. For example, in the search to ameliorate Dementia, whether the postgraduate student is scientific or clinical, they will receive core training which exposes them to the connection between basic laboratory research in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Prion disease; access to human imaging facilities for research to better understand active processes within the brain; clinical neuropsychological principles and interventions in degenerative dementias such as cognitive behavioural therapy and the clinical treatment of movement disorders. It is this link between basic and clinical research that is particularly promoted by the Brain & Mind Research Institute. This provides a unique opportunity for students to have access to specialised training and will equip them with a valuable understanding of interdisciplinary research, open opportunities for future research collaborations, as well as refining specific skills and methodology in mental health research and clinical service provision.

There is a demonstrated need to improve the training capacity of the higher education sector to meet national labour market needs in mental health research service provision. The Brain & Mind Research Institute brings together basic, translational and clinical researchers, community clinicians, clinical practices and non-government community organisations, networks, professional societies and industry to foster the development of new professional interactions, programs and research projects.

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Entry requirements

  • Bachelor degree in relevant discipline
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Articulation pathways

There are three points at which students may elect to graduate:

  1. Upon successful completion of 24 credits points of coursework students may graduate with a Graduate Certificate of Brain and Mind Sciences.
  2. Upon successful completion of 36 credit points of coursework students may graduate with a Graduate Diploma of Brain and Mind Sciences.
  3. Upon successful completion of a total of 48 credit points of coursework students graduate with a Master of Brain and Mind Sciences.
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Career pathways

The Brain & Mind Research Institute has a number of community and industry partners in the mental health or neuroscience arena, many with whom we have joint research programmes or service agreements. These organisations have expressed an interest in our Masters in Brain and Mind Sciences graduates, including organisations in market research, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, disease specific associations and many more. Our Industry Partners database is an ongoing activity and so regularly browsing the website will be useful market knowledge for you as you plan and develop your career.

Course structure

Graduate Certificate in Brain and Mind Sciences

(24 credit points) coursework comprises of the four core units of study (each unit of study is six credit points).

Graduate Diploma in Brain and Mind Sciences

(36 credit points) coursework comprises:

  1. The four core unit of study (each unit of study is six credit points), and
  2. Two elective units of study (each unit of study is six credit points).

Master of Brain and Mind Sciences

(48 credit points) coursework comprises:

  1. Four core units of study (each unit of study is six credit points), and
  2. Two elective units of study (each unit of study is six credit points), and
  3. Two research activities (total of 12 credit points). The research activities are a capstone experience and are conducted in a subspecialty area chosen by the student.
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Master of Brain and Mind Sciences in Psychiatry

(72 credit points - 3 years part-time)

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Overview

This program is expected to commence in 2013.

For more information, please contact Associate Professor Wayne Reid at

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Entry requirements

  • Bachelor degree in relevant discipline
  • Accredited psychiatry trainee
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Course structure

The coursework comprises ten units of study (each unit of study is six credit points), and two research activities (total of 12 credit points). The research activities are a capstone experience and are conducted in a subspecialty area chosen by the student.

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Articulation pathways

There are four points at which students may elect to graduate:

  1. Upon successful completion of 24 credits points of coursework students may graduate with a Graduate Certificate of Brain and Mind Sciences.
  2. Upon successful completion of 36 credit points of coursework students may graduate with a Graduate Diploma of Brain and Mind Sciences.
  3. Upon successful completion of a total of 48 credit points of coursework students graduate with a Master of Brain and Mind Sciences.
  4. Upon successful completion of 72 credit points of coursework students graduate with a Master of Brain and Mind Sciences in Psychiatry.
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Units of study

Core units of study

History, Philosophy and Ethics of Brain and Mind Sciences

The history and philosophy section of this core unit examines the conceptual foundations of cognitive neuroscience in the context of animals' psychological abilities. These foundations are constituted by the relationships among the psychological concepts involved in investigations into the neural underpinnings of human cognitive, affective and volitional capacities. The ethics section examines the ethical considerations that arise from the rapid pace of research that has led to new ways of understanding brain function. The goal of this Unit of Study is to help students to identify key ethical, legal and social aspects of brain research in an attempt to develop protocols for thinking about potentially problematic areas. This knowledge will enhance the learner's ability to critically analyse given evidence to inform and improve scientific and clinical approaches to disorders of the brain and mind.

Pre-clinical Brain and Mind Sciences

This unit of study is aimed at helping students to gain an understanding of general principles according to which the central nervous system is built. It will then focus on selected structures and functions and will examine their possible relationship in health and disease. The unit of study will focus on: neurobiology, genetics of brain and mind sciences, neuroanatomy and neural function. This introductory unit of study will provide a foundation for advanced learning in other units of study, and is a perquisite for the unit of study BMRI5003.

Applied Brain and Mind Sciences

Building on the BMRI5002 unit of study, Applied Brain and Mind Sciences examines translational and clinical aspects of brain and mind sciences. These areas include structural and functional neuroimaging (PET, MRI, MRspectroscopy, fMRI), comparative neuropathology, and approaches to neuropharmacology, psychopharmocology, and neuropsychiatry. The unit will also look at a number of common brain and mind disorders which occur in childhood, adolescence and older age. This unit of study will provide a foundation for advanced learning in other units of study.

Clinical Brain and Mind Sciences

This unit of study is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of how genetic and environmental risk factors affect the developing nervous system to generate the clinical symptoms of a disordered mind. Students will learn to use new tools to understand which specific environmental factors occurring at specific points along the genetic and developmental course have the capacity to result in perturbations of central nervous system function. This Unit of Study focuses on diagnostic tools, the clinical staging model, and intervention strategies.

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Elective units of study

From 2012, students with a subspecialty interest will be able to stream their elective choices in either block or weekly mode.

  • Cognitive Therapies in Brain and Mind Sciences
  • Neuropsychology
  • Clinical Leadership and Management
  • Psychosocial Interventions and Services - Pathways to Recovery
  • Brain and Mind Disorders in Childhood
  • Brain and Mind Disorders in Young People
  • Genetic Principles of Neural Development
  • Brain and Mind Disorders Related to Ageing
  • Applied Neuropsychopharmacology
  • Clinical Assessment in Brain and Mind Sciences
  • Psychosocial Interventions and Services
  • Research Inquiry
  • Research Design
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Associated Courses

Master of Molecular Imaging

The Faculty of Health Sciences offers a Master of Molecular Imaging, and elements of this course are taught at the BMRI campus. Some units of study from this course are electives for the Graduate Diploma in Brain and Mind Sciences or Masters in Brain and Mind Sciences.

This course explores in depth the scientific principles and applications of the key molecular imaging technologies in life science research and biotechnology. It will appeal to talented graduates who wish to develop their skills in a range of advanced imaging methodologies and apply them to challenging problems in biomedicine and health.

A full scholarship sponsored by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO) is available for this course.

Molecular imaging is a form of biomedical imaging, which is rapidly growing in importance in the applied life sciences. The key technologies for imaging the molecular signatures of disease in humans and animal models are PET, SPECT and MRI. These technologies are continually evolving as scientists and engineers develop new approaches and new applications.

This course gives graduates the opportunity to discover this rapidly evolving field and play an important role in its further development. It will prepare graduates to work in multi-disciplinary teams that advance these technologies beyond their current capabilities to meet the future challenges in biomedicine.