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The brains behind science: neuroscience, psychophysiology and

biomedical scienceAssociate Professor Rachael McDonald

Health science at Swinburne: biomedical sciences suite

Bachelor of Health Science– with a major in biomedical science– with a major in psychology and psychophysiology– with a major in neuroscience

The past two decades have shown spectacular advances in biomedical sciences – particularly neuroscience.– Developmental and cell biology, molecular biology,

neuroimaging, computer modelling, cognitive neuroscience and beyond.

The nervous system plays a role in nearly every aspect of our health and wellbeing– everyday activities such as

waking up – simple activities such as

breathing – complex processes such as

thinking, reading, remembering and feeling emotions

The brain is the final frontier…

Do cold showers cool you down?– Yossi Rathner, Joshua Ameliorate and Mark Schier– Core body temperature regulated by the body, thus a cold

shower will address skin temperature but not core temperature– Discovery: it’s worse to have a cold shower than a warm one!

Recent research at Swinburne

A study of how the brain reacts to security alerts led Google to test a new way to warn people that their computers may have been infected with malware

Neuroscience explains why we get hacked so easily

Kristopher, high-level SCI, gained the ability to use his arms and hands after his spinal cord was injected with stem cells – Went from not being able to

breath on his own to being able to push his own wheelchair and access daily living.

New nerves for old

Gamifying behaviour change– Adherence and compliance to treatment crucial to

effectiveness of healthcare. This can record behaviour– Pokemon go

Medical 3D printing– 3D drugs, bionic ears, etc

New developments

Bachelor of Health Science with a major in neuroscience• Understanding how the brain works

– normal health – diseased states – mental illness

More than 1000 disorders of the brain and nervous system existUnderstanding how to prevent and treat these disorders and diseases is crucial for maintaining the overall health and wellbeing of all people. Students study neuroanatomy and physiology, neuro imaging, neuro rehabilitation and prosthetics.

Bachelor of Health Science with a major in psychology and psychophysiology

A psychophysiological disorder is characterised by physical symptoms that are partly induced by emotional factors. Common emotional states and common psychosomatic ailments include:– anxiety, stress, fear– migraine headaches, ADHD, arthritis, ulcerative colitis, heart disease

Psychology and psychophysiology major is APAC accredited.Students study neuroanatomy and physiology, psychology, (developmental, social) and psychophysiology,

Swinburne is the only Australian university to offer biomedical and clinical technologies focused on:– Instrumentation– Clinical measurement– Monitoring and imaging technologies

Celebrating 40 years of experience in this areaEmployment in hospital sector– sleep centres, neurology, intensive care, respiratory, cardiology, vascular

laboratories

Pathways for courses such as medicine or physiotherapyGraduates and trainees in all major hospitals

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Bachelor of Health Science with a major in biomedical science and clinical technologies

Our facilities

Most highly advanced brain imaging facilities in Australia– MRI– MEG– EEG– BabyLab

Internationally and nationally recognised brain researchersStrong hospital network– teaching and research

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Entry requirements and pathways

ATARs– Bachelor of Health Science: 60+– Bachelor of Health Science (Professional): 80+

VCE prerequisites– Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in English (or

equivalent) or 30 in English (EAL). It is recommended that applicants have completed some prior study in Mathematics.

Pathway opportunity– Diploma of Health Science (UniLink): direct entry into second

year of the degree• Except psychology and psychophysiology major due to APAC

requirements – only 4 units exempt.

Career opportunities

Medical researcherNeuroscientistHospital scientistClinical technicians in hospitals and laboratoriesBiomedical instrument designLaboratory techniciansPharmaceutical/trial companiesPathway to medicinePathway to clinical psychology

Postgraduate pathways

• Master of Occupational Therapy• Coming soon:

- physiotherapy- dietetics- speech pathology

CRICOS 00111DTOID 3069

Isabella CloseBachelor of Health Science with a major in Psychology

and Psychophysiology

Student experience

Placement at St. Vincent’s Hospital

CRICOS 00111DTOID 3069

Thank you

Questions?