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Neurobiology of Dementia 1 unit (CAD502)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Online

Introduction

This unit will enable students to understand and evaluate research and literature in the neurobiology of dementia, and to use and communicate that knowledge in their own personal context. It covers the major elements of the brain and the functions of nerve and glial cells, including neurotransmission, in order to support the understanding of the degenerative processes of diseases that cause dementia, the relationship between genetics, pathology, degeneration, biomarkers and diagnosis, and the basis of therapeutics which affect the central nervous system. A section on the neurophysiology of pain, a significant issue in dementia care, is included. 

Summary

Unit name Neurobiology of Dementia 1
Unit code CAD502
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre
Discipline Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre
Coordinator Doctor Duncan Sinclair
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Postgraduate

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Online Semester 1 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
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
Semester 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026

* 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

  • Describe the normal structure and function of the nervous system.
  • Describe the pathological and clinical features of Alzheimer's Disease, Frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia and Vascular dementia.
  • Evaluate how modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors affect the neurobiology of dementia
  • Evaluate the efficacy of and evidence base for common pharmacological approaches to dementia.
  • Critically analyse neurobiology literature in the context of dementia.

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.
AssessmentMyContext Essay Proposal (10%)|MyContext Oral reflection (15%)|Module short answer questions (20%)|Online MCQ quizzes (25%)|MyContext Final assignment (30%)
TimetableView 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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