The Neurobiology of Dementia unit (CAD201)

Online

Introduction

This unit uses research into the biological basis of dementia to explore the specific pathology of the more common diseases causing, or associated with, dementia. Students will learn the relationship between the development of pathology in the nervous system and the clinical features of dementia related illnesses including Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body dementia. The unit will explore how the diseases that cause dementia progress throughout the lifespan, and will explore the current tools and techniques used in diagnosing dementia-related illnesses.

Summary

Unit name	The Neurobiology of Dementia
Unit code	CAD201
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre
Discipline	Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre
Coordinator	Doctor Sharn Perry
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Semester 1

Note

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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

* 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

• Discuss changes that occur in the brain as a result of dementia-related illnesses.
• Interpret research findings to discuss the biological basis and clinical features of dementia-related illnesses
• Communicate biological and clinical information about dementia-related illnesses

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.

Requisites

Prerequisites

CAD101

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Online Learning - approx. 10 hours per week.
Assessment	Assignment (15%)|Short answer task (25%)|Oral presentation (30%)|Quizzes (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.

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