Ageing, the Brain and Dementia unit (CAD101)

Online

Introduction

This introductory unit will explore the physical and cognitive changes that occur during the ageing process, and age-related pathological changes that can lead to diseases that cause dementia. This unit will introduce fundamental neuroscience concepts in the healthy adult, ageing and diseased nervous systems, with a focus on brain structure and function. Throughout this unit, students will learn how to find scholarly literature, and how to recognise and summarise scientific evidence to use in their academic communication.

Summary

Unit name	Ageing, the Brain and Dementia
Unit code	CAD101
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre
Discipline	Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre
Coordinator	Doctor Gary Morris
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Semester 1
Online	Trimester

Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026
Trimester	1/11/2026	23/11/2026	23/12/2026	13/2/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Describe age-related biological changes, their impact on cognitive and physical function, and the differences between healthy ageing and common diseases of ageing.
• Describe the biology of the diseases that cause dementias.
• Find and apply information from academic resources, using appropriate academic communication.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
060199	$1,694.00	$1,694.00	not applicable	$1,738.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Online Learning - approx. 10 hours per week.
Assessment	Online quizzes (15%)|Written Task (25%)|Narrated presentation (30%)|Oral Task (30%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.