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Unit of study_
PAIN5010: Clinical Aspects of Neurobiology
2026 unit information
This unit aims to build on information acquired from previous units, examining the neurobiological contributors to pain and how they are shaped by the mind, with practical implications for assessment and management across different pain conditions. It explores nociceptive, neuropathic and neuroplastic mechanisms and their contribution to pain; the mind-body connection and how psychological processes contribute to and modify the experience of pain through modulation of the neurobiological components. The unit also considers placebo and nocebo effects in practice, and how insights from real-life cases help translate neurobiological understanding into clinical practice.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Medicine and Health
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Postgrad Coursework - SMS |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Explain the nature of the neuropathic, nociceptive and neuroplastic mechanisms that contribute to the pain experience
- LO2. Discuss the link between psychological and neurobiological processes and therefore the link between mind and body in the pain experience
- LO3. Explain the mechanisms of the placebo effect and how this informs our understanding of this mind/body link
- LO4. Consider the evidence for the role of nociceptive, neuropathic and neuroplastic contributors in low back pain, post amputation pain, fibromyalgia
- LO5. Appreciate the implications of nociceptive, neuropathic and neuroplastic contributors for both assessment and management of that condition.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2026
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Online | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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