Course Outline

MHN703 Neuroimaging Advances in Mental Health

Course Coordinator:Christina Driver (cdriver@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Psychology

2024Semester 2

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows researchers to understand how the brain is wired in health and disease. This course will introduce you to the latest imaging technologies used in mental health and neuroscience research, with a focus on MRI. You will also explore transcranial magnetic stimulation, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and electroencephalography techniques and how they are used in machine learning. You’ll understand the role of neuroimaging biomarkers in mental health risk profiling, diagnosis and treatment, and how neuroimaging supports the pursuit of new knowledge.   

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Online
Online – The online activities will include a variety of asynchronous, interactive learning materials, and options for lecturer and peer to peer collaborations, and lecturer and peer zoom drop-ins. 3hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

  • The principles and safety of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • MRI modalities
  • Measuring brain function in different ways
  • Imaging biomarkers for mental disorders
  • Clinical application of novel techniques

 

What level is this course?

700 Level (Specialised)

Demonstrating a specialised body of knowledge and set of skills for professional practice or further learning. Advanced application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Build an advanced understanding of neuroimaging technologies and the scientific evidence base for use in mental health research. Knowledgeable
2 Articulate and evaluate the application of advanced neuroimaging and data-driven approaches in treatment and understanding of mental health disorders. Engaged
3 Review, critically appraise and synthesise the scientific evidence base in neuroimaging approaches and psychophysiological measures of brain and body functioning. Creative and critical thinker

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Must be enrolled in program AR503, AR602 or AR706

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Formative example self-check questions will be provided in learning activities each week providing immediate feedback. A Zoom drop in session will be held prior to week 4 to respond to any questions regarding the learning activities and provide general feedback.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Portfolio Individual 40%
Maximum 40 questions plus 1000-2000 words
Refer to Format Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Essay Individual 60%
3500-4000
Exam Period Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Learning portfolio
Goal:
The goal of this assessment task is to build your understanding of various MRI modalities and methodologies and apply this to then evaluate and critically appraise the utility of advanced neuroimaging in current diagnostic and treatment approaches to mental health disorders.
Product: Portfolio
Format:
Submit: Weeks 2, 4, 6 & 9. You will respond to a series of activities throughout the first half of the course. You will submit these according to the guidelines provided at the timepoints of Week 2, 4, 6 and 9. The activities will progress from quiz style questions to short answers and summaries. Your final submission will build on your foundational knowledge gained, and this will be applied to evaluate and appraise examples of advanced neuroimaging research that informs diagnosis or treatment for a specific mental health disorder.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstration of building an advanced understanding of neuroimaging
1
2
Evaluation of the application of advanced neuroimaging
2
3
Articulation of advanced neuroimaging approaches
2
All - Assessment Task 2:Critical Appraisal: Neuroimaging
Goal:
The goal is to review and critically appraise the potential clinical use of neuroimaging biomarkers, including through data driven approaches, and how they can inform or predict mental disorder diagnosis, and treatment responses.
Product: Essay
Format:
You will prepare an academic essay with your peers as the target audience, following the provided guidelines for a relevant style. You will articulate and appraise the evidence base underpinning the use of neuroimaging biomarkers, including through data driven approaches. You will discuss how this can inform or predict diagnosis and prognosis, as well as the prediction and evaluation of response to treatment, avoidance of adverse advents and identification of specific subgroups. You will refer to at least one mental health disorder as an example.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstration of building an advanced understanding of neuroimaging and the scientific evidence base for use in mental health research.
1
2
Critical appraisal of scientific evidence base in neuroimaging approaches and psychophysiological measures of the brain.
3
3
Synthesis of the utility of brain-based biomarkers in the context of mental health and neuroscience.
3
4
Articulation of evidence base of treatment approaches in mental health for an academic audience
2
5
Evaluation of the application of data-driven approaches in treatment and understanding of mental health disorders.
2

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

All work submitted for assessment is to be word processed and submitted electronically. It is expected that students will have ready access to a computer with common productivity software and reliable Internet access.

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks will be penalised at the following maximum rate:

5% (of the assessment task’s identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task
10% (of the assessment task’s identified value) for the third day
20% (of the assessment task’s identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task
A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task.
Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late.

To request an extension, you must contact your Course Coordinator and supply the required documentation to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
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  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au