| Overview and Aims of the Program |
Deciphering the operations of the mind and brain is one of the greatest scientific challenges facing human society in the 21st century. The Major in Cognitive and Brain Sciences is for anyone interested in exploring how the mind and brain work. This major gives students a solid background in a wide spectrum of exciting research methodologies and disciplines within the cognitive and brain sciences. Students will have the opportunity to pursue a flexible program of coursework and acquire strong research skills in neuroscience, psychology, computer science, linguistics, philosophy, biology, and anthropology. This major offers an optimal combination of intellectual breadth and depth, giving students exposure to foundational and cutting-edge research on a diverse range of challenging and engaging topics including perception, attention, action, memory, language, decision-making, and the information-processing and brain systems that support these capacities.
Key features:
• You will take units that reflect cutting-edge research in cognitive and brain science.
• You will learn from internationally renowned expert researchers who together form one of the largest and strongest research communities in cognitive and brain science in Australia and the world.
• You will have the opportunity to develop your research skills while working on an individualized scientific project with one of our research teams in state-of-the-art facilities.
• Expert teachers and researchers will help you to develop strong critical thinking capabilities including complex problem solving and effective communication skills essential for success in research environments or the workplace in the 21st century. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
- demonstrate sound theoretical and technical knowledge of key theoretical frameworks, concepts, and discipline areas of cognitive science
- demonstrate specialised, advanced knowledge in at least one of the discipline areas of cognitive science
- show understanding of relevant research methodologies including research design, data analysis, and interpretation by critically evaluating research in cognitive science
- flexibly apply knowledge and critical thinking skills to independently identify, analyse, and solve problems related to various research domains in cognitive science
- examine and integrate scientific information from a variety of primary and secondary sources in cognitive science and communicate this in a clear and coherent manner through a range of media
- employ a sound ethical framework for research and show an appreciation of the professional, social, and ethical dimensions of cognitive science research
The number of PLOs that a program should have is not specified. As a guide, between eight and twelve PLOs would be a reasonable number.
PLOs are made publicly available and so will be read by a wide audience. When writing PLOs it is useful to ask "is this written in a way which would be intelligible, accessible and meaningful to our students and prospective students?". Generally speaking, learning outcomes should be expressed in a form that includes action verbs, describing something your students can actually do, and can be assessed to have successfully done, like "identify", "describe" or "differentiate".
The AQF asks that PLOs should address the areas of Knowledge and Understanding, Skills and Capabilities, and the Application of Knowledge and Skills. It isn't necessary for each PLO to be classified under one of these headings. However it is important for the overall collection of PLOs for a program to clearly address all of these factors.
Each program learning outcome should be mapped to the graduate capabilities it fosters, using the standard letter codes given. |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
The required units of study in the Cognitive and Brain Sciences major employ a mixture of lecture, tutorial, self-guided, and peer-supported learning to develop a solid understanding of the mind and the brain.
The program uses a range of methods to develop student understanding in cognitive and brain science. In the early stages of the major, students will be introduced to concepts, theories, and methods that are foundational to understanding the complex nature of cognition, perception, and action, and the brain systems underlying them. In intermediate stages of the major, learning methods include problem-based approaches designed to promote independent thinking and research capabilities. In later stages of the major, students will have the opportunity to apply their advanced knowledge and skills to design and carry out individualized research projects in cognitive science. |
| Assessment |
Assessment tasks in the Cognitive and Brain Sciences major are designed to help build a sound foundation of knowledge and skills in the discipline. Assessment criteria for each task provide detailed descriptions of what is required at each band of achievement. Detailed information about each assessment task including (a) assessment criteria, (b) relevant resources, and (c) the specific learning outcomes to which each assessment task is mapped are provided in the unit guide for the relevant unit.
Assessment in the Cognitive and Brain Sciences major includes both formative and summative feedback. Formative feedback is ongoing feedback delivered during progression of a task. Summative feedback is feedback that is received at the end of a task and typically includes a grade and comments on performance. Both types of feedback are vital for helping students identify areas for future improvement in their performance. Feedback will be provided in written form or in discussion with peers or teaching staff. Assessment tasks are designed to provide students with early and repeated opportunities to monitor their intellectual and academic progress. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.
Domestic students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl
International students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
The Cognitive and Brain Sciences major provides students with a solid background in an exciting scientific discipline. It prepares students for higher study in cognitive science, neuroscience, and other professional degrees including medicine, law, or business. Depending on student emphasis, the major may also provide a suitable foundation for a career in information technology, data science, health care, or science communication. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
