Brain and Mind Sciences

Graduate Certificate in Brain and Mind Sciences

Graduate Diploma in Brain and Mind Sciences

Master of Brain and Mind Sciences

Master of Brain and Mind Sciences in Psychiatry (not currently open for admission)

Overview

This postgraduate program strongly promotes the philosophy of interdisciplinary research that underpins the Brain and Mind Research Institute. Diseases of mental health are explored from both the basic and clinical research rather than as disparate scientific disciplines. The core units of the program give students a foundation in fundamental neuroscience and its translational and clinical applications. Critical appraisal of the biomedical literature is developed, as is the ability to use this to inform further research or clinical applications.

The elective units of the program approach disorders of the brain and mind from the perspective of clinical staging; how they emerge during development from early childhood, adolescence and into old age. Other areas of focus at the BMRI and in the postgraduate program are genetic aetiology of brain and mind disorders, neuroimaging, practice of therapeutic strategies from pharmacology to cognitive behaviour therapy, and principles of neuropsychological assessment.

Workshops in clinical leadership and in suicide prevention will give students an understanding of the broader provision of support in the mental health field. Those students accepted into the research activity unit will have a unique opportunity to access specialised training in a research group at the BMRI, whether this be in the basic sciences or in a clinical setting.

The postgraduate program in brain and mind sciences brings together lecturers from the cutting edge of their respective fields. Students will emerge with an understanding of the very latest in interdisciplinary research and the skills to use this in professional settings in the laboratory, clinic or allied mental health care fields.

Course outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Brain and Mind Sciences will be able to demonstrate:

• mastery of the knowledge, principles and methods of the brain and mind sciences
• training in the skills required to apply the basic knowledge, principles and methods to problems of professional practice (research and/or clinical)
• acquisition of specific skills in the use of relevant procedures, technologies and techniques in relation to research investigation, assessment, diagnosis and management of brain and mind disorders
• development of the skills and attitudes to exhibit initiative and self-reliance in critically evaluating and synthesizing ideas and information related to the units
• development of the skills and attitudes to work effectively and collaboratively within teams from different disciplinary, professional and cultural backgrounds.

Graduates of the Master of Brain and Mind Sciences in Psychiatry will be able to demonstrate:

• application of the academic knowledge, clinical skills and professional attitudes required in the provision of patient care across the lifespan in hospital, community, urban, rural and remote settings, and with regard to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues
• effective facilitation of the doctor patient relationship, enabling patient-centred care through shared decision-making and effective interactions with patients, families, caregivers and other professionals
• working in partnership with a multi-disciplinary team of expert health professionals for the provision of optimal patient care, education and research in brain and mind health
• ability to critically evaluate principles and methods of the brain and mind sciences, and make evidence-based decisions and recommendations in research and clinical practice
• understanding the principles of health service management and their role as professionals in leadership and supervision, resource allocation and quality improvement
• ability to identify and respond to the needs of those suffering from brain and mind disorders through advocacy and promoting public health policy change
• commitment to ongoing learning and the creation, critical appraisal, dissemination and translation of scientific knowledge to clinical application in neurosciences and mental health
• demonstrate specific skills in the use of relevant procedures, technologies and techniques in relation to clinical research investigation, clinical assessment, diagnosis and management of brain and mind disorders.

Further enquiries

Student and Academic Coordinator
Phone: +61 2 9114 4048
Fax: +61 2 9114 4055
Email: