Bachelor of Psychological Science (Cognitive Neuroscience)
University of South Australia
About
Investigate the interaction between brain function and human behaviour when you study South Australia’s only cognitive neuroscience degree.
This exciting degree integrates psychology and biology, preparing you for a rewarding and stimulating career in neuropsychology.
You will learn the information needed for a career in this specialisation, as well as gain practical experience in our on-campus laboratories.
Structure
| Course name | Area and cat no | Units | Reference | Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIRST YEAR | ||||
| First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3) | ||||
| Psychology 1A | BEHL 1003 | 4.5 | ||
| Human Anatomy 100 | HLTH 1020 | 4.5 | ||
| Biology A | BIOL 1007 | 4.5 | ||
| Personal and Professional Development | BEHL 1033 | 4.5 | ||
| Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6) | ||||
| Psychology 1B | BEHL 1004 | 4.5 | ||
| Introductory Research Methods | BEHL 2005 | 4.5 | ||
| Foundations in Cognitive Neuroscience | BEHL 1024 | 4.5 | ||
| Aboriginal Australians and Psychology | BEHL 1032 | 4.5 | ||
| SECOND YEAR | ||||
| First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3) | ||||
| Developmental Psychology | BEHL 3011 | 4.5 | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | BEHL 3002 | 4.5 | ||
| Human Anatomy 200 | HLTH 2022 | 4.5 | ||
| Cognitive Neuroscience | BEHL 3021 | 4.5 | ||
| Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6) | ||||
| Data Science for Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology | BEHL 2023 | 4.5 | ||
| Biological and Learning Psychology | BEHL 2012 | 4.5 | ||
| Social and Community Psychology | BEHL 2006 | 4.5 | ||
| States of Awareness | BEHL 2015 | 4.5 | ||
| THIRD YEAR | ||||
| First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3) | ||||
| Specialist Psychology Course | 4.5 | Note(s): 1 | ||
| The Neuroscience of Language | BEHL 3030 | 4.5 | ||
| Advanced Research Methods | BEHL 3005 | 4.5 | ||
| Personality Psychology | BEHL 3024 | 4.5 | ||
| Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6) | ||||
| Clinical and Abnormal Psychology | BEHL 3004 | 4.5 | ||
| Elective | 4.5 | Note(s): 2 | ||
| Neuroscience Across the Lifespan | BEHL 3025 | 4.5 | ||
| Psychology Research Experience | BEHL 3028 | 4.5 | Note(s): 3 | |
| SPECIALIST PSYCHOLOGY COURSES | Note(s): 1 | |||
| Students must complete at least 1 of the following Specialist Psychology Courses | Note(s): 1 | |||
| Psychological Assessment | BEHL 4003 | 4.5 | ||
| Psychophysiology of Sleep | BEHL 3029 | 4.5 | ||
| Health Psychology | BEHL 3012 | 4.5 | ||
| Conservation Psychology | BEHL 3022 | 4.5 | ||
| Language, Context and Social Behaviour | BEHL 3023 | 4.5 | ||
| Work and Organisational Psychology | BEHL 3008 | 4.5 | ||
| Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology | HLTH 3014 | 4.5 |
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission: Recent secondary education Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
Assumed Knowledge
Deferment
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
Learning outcomes
At the completion of this degree you will have a sound knowledge of psychology, combined with specialist knowledge and research skills in cognitive neuroscience. You will study a combination of specialist psychology courses, electives and courses from the Cognitive Neuroscience major.
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
Your career
Clear and critical thinking skills and an interest in human behaviour and biology are key attributes of students considering a career in cognitive neuroscience. Careers to consider:
- research assistant: assist with academic research; you may gain employment with a university or research institute
- assistant neuropsychologist: assist a neuropsychologist; neuropsychologists often work as researchers or teachers, or are employed by hospitals or healthcare facilities
- clinical neurophysiological technician: record electrical activity of the brain and nervous system; daily tasks may involve reviewing patient history, gathering data and preparing patients for testing
- laboratory technician (clinical or research): collect samples, perform tests on body specimens and record results
- disability worker or case worker: work with and provide support for clients with neuropsychological or neurological conditions
This degree can also be used as a pathway to further study in areas such as clinical psychology, neuropsychology, or other areas of health science.
Applying to study with us:
- go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
- you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.
As a psychology student, you will have access to:
- state-of-the-art observation rooms where you can practice your skills with real-life scenarios
- on-campus laboratories
Institution
