Outline

Overview

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

Academic unit	Postgrad Coursework - SMS
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Duncan Sanders, duncan.sanders@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Duncan Sanders, duncan.sanders@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	1. Module Content & Case Discussions and Reflection Two parts: 1a. Module Content & Case Discussions 1b. Written Reflection Report	30%	Multiple weeks Due date: 17 May 2026 at 23:59	1a. Week 2 - Week 10 1b. 500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	2a. Synthesis Grid Written task	20%	Week 07 Due date: 19 Apr 2026 at 23:59	1000-1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	2b. Topic review Written task	50%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59	3000-3500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assignment 1a. Module Content & Case Discussions and 1b. Reflection Report: This discussion activity is conducted from Week 2 to Week 10. The first three modules have a 2-week discussion timeframe. The online tutor will post 1-2 discussion questions each week in the discussion forum for you to consider. These questions are provided to initiate discussion about the module content and core readings. Students will review the contributions to the module discussions and evaluate the best contribution/s for at least four of the module discussions during the large group discussion. Students are to submitt these contributions with a short evaluative statement identifying what novel insights they have gained from the discussion, and how the small group discussion and case summaries have changed their thinking and/or practice.
Assignment 2a. Synthesis Grid: Students will need to conduct a literature search and choose at least ten relevant articles in relation to their chosen topic and develop a synthesis grid.
Assignment 2b. Topic Review: Students will need to develop a topic review using the information gathered in the synthesis grid. Students may use any other relevant material gathered following the submission of their synthesis grid.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week -01	Orientation	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 01	Online Introduction	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 02	Module 1: Neurobiological contributors to pain	Self-directed learning (20 hr)
Week 04	Module 2: The mind-body link	Self-directed learning (20 hr)
Week 06	Module 3: The placebo effect	Self-directed learning (20 hr)
Week 08	Case Study Discussions	Self-directed learning (20 hr)
Week 10	Case Studies Reflections	Self-directed learning (20 hr)
Week 12	Unit review	Self-directed learning (20 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Active participation in online discussion forums is a compulsory activity for completion of this unit of study. It is expected that students will contribute unique content and/or reflections on other students’ postings at least twice per week.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There is no prescribed textbook for this unit of study. All required readings are available online via Canvas and the University Library.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Modules reviewed and updated for 2026. Clarified the assessment requirements.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PAIN5010: Clinical Aspects of Neurobiology

Semester 1, 2026 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links