All units
The information on this page originates from the Units of Study Handbook. Always refer to the handbook for the most up to date information.
CONTENTS
Course guides - Important information
This site uses information from the UoS Handbook - for this reason, the handbook is (usually) the best reference for course information.
If there is any discrepancy between the UoS Handbook and the information provided below, the UOS Handbook always takes precedence, unless otherwise advised in writing.
Semester 1
| ANAT2008 Principles of Histology |
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Learning Goals
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Textbooks Course Coordinator
Laura Lindsay |
| ANAT3006 Forensic Osteology |
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Learning Goals
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Dr Denise Donlon |
| ANAT3007 Viscereal Anatomy |
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Learning Goals The course also aims to provide both theoretical & practical skills which can provide a basis for further studies in fields such as physiotherapy, chiropractic or forensic science or in post graduate medicine or dentistry or in areas of research requiring a knowledge of anatomy.
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Textbooks Course Coordinator
Robin Arnold |
| BMED2401 Cellular Foundations of Medical Sciences |
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Learning Goals Basic cell structure is examined by focussing on cell specialization and tissue organization in humans. The fundamentals of metabolism are introduced, in particular, the chemical reactions that are responsible for fuel processing. The molecular basis of drug action will then be discussed. Students will be introduced to the role of enzymes in the catalysis of cellular reactions and the pharmacological strategies employed to exploit our knowledge of these mechanisms. Intracellular signalling, cell to cell signalling, and pharmacological intervention in these processes are covered. To conclude this unit of study gives an introduction into embryology and how gene expression is regulated during development. Practical classes not only complement the lecture material but also introduce students to a wide range of technical skills. In addition, the sessions are also designed to provide students with generic skills such as record keeping, data collection and presentation, protocol planning and written communication.
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Course Coordinator
Dr Suzanne Ollerenshaw |
| BMED2402 Nerve and Muscle |
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Learning Goals After consideration of the mechanisms of contraction, the way in which nerve signals are integrated and coordinated are covered in more detail. The receptors involved in normal modes of communications are discussed. This is complemented by discussion of the effects of drugs on the nervous system, with special reference to pain and analgesics. An appreciation is gained of how toxins and infections can disturb the normal neuromuscular coordination. Thus, pharmacological and pathological considerations are studied with relevance to the physiological concepts. Various senses such as vision and hearing are introduced. In practical classes, students perform experiments to illustrate the functioning of motor control, coordination and the senses. In addition, students extend their anatomical and histological expertise by examining prosections and prepared microscope slides. Practical classes also include the effects of analgesics on experimental pain and case studies of tetanus and botulism.
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Course Coordinator
Dr Tina Hinton |
| BMED2403 Cardiovascular and respiratory systems |
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Learning Goals Discussion of the respiratory system includes the structure of the respiratory organs, the mechanics of breathing, control of respiration, and description of the mechanism of gas exchange. Specifically, the actions of drugs for asthma are discussed and the pathology of obstructive versus restrictive airways disease examined. The unit of study then extends the students learning to pathogenic microbes involved in infectious diseases of the respiratory system. Practical classes are designed to nurture the same generic attributes taught in BMED2401 and BMED2402 but, in addition, students are introduced to a wider range of technical skills.
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Course Coordinator
Dr Miriam Frommer |
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THEORY HSTO3001 Microscopy & Histochemistry (co-requisite HSTO3002) |
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Learning Goals
Information Classes Usually four 1-hour lectures per week plus some tutorials
Course Coordinator(s)
Robin Arnold Professor Christopher Murphy |
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PRACTICAL HSTO3002 Microscopy & Histochemistry (co-requisite HSTO3001, permission required) |
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Textbooks Course Coordinator(s)
Robin Arnold Professor Christopher Murphy |
| NEUR3001 Neuroscience: Special Senses |
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Textbooks Course Coordinator
Dr Vladimir Balcar |
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ADVANCED NEUR3901 Neuroscience: Special Senses Advanced (permission required) |
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Learning Goals The aim of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system and to the main concepts of processing of sensory information. Understanding basic sensory transduction mechanisms and the function of the sensory systems is necessary to understand how perceptual processes work in normal and disease conditions and provides a gateway to unravel the complexity of the mind. Basic aspects of low and high level sensory processing in all sense modalities will be covered, with a special emphasis in the auditory and visual systems. The relationship between sensory systems, perception and higher cognitive functions will be addressed. Permission from the coordinators is required for entry into this course. It is strongly recommended that students also take unit NEUR3002 or NEUR3902.
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Textbooks Course Coordinator
Dr Vladimir Balcar |
| NEUR3002 Neuroscience: Motor Systems & Behaviour |
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Learning Goals
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Course Coordinator
Dr Vladimir Balcar |
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ADVANCED NEUR3902 - Neuroscience: Motor Systems & Behaviour Advanced (permission required) |
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Learning Goals This course focuses on to the neural circuits and the mechanisms that control somatic and autonomic motor systems, motivated behaviours, emotions, and other higher order functions. The lecture series addresses the different topics, each of which offers special insight into the function of the nervous system in health and disease. Permission from the coordinators is required for entry into this course. It is strongly recommended that students also take unit NEUR3001 or NEUR3901.
Information Classes
Assessment
Textbooks Course Coordinator
Dr Vladimir Balcar |
Semester 2
| ANAT2009 Comparative Primate Anatomy (permission required) |
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Learning Goals
This unit of student covers the musculo-skeletal anatomy of the human body with particular emphasis on human evolution and comparisons with apes and fossil hominids. The topics covered include the versatility of the human hand, in manipulation and locomotion, bipedalism, climbing and brachiation in apes, and the change in pelvic anatomy associated with bipedalism and obstetric consequences.
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Course Coordinator
Dr Denise Donlon |
| ANAT2010 Concepts of Neuroanatomy |
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Learning Goals Based on an understanding of the organization of its constituents, students will also be introduced to the principles of brain organization, with specific reference to the evolution of the 'higher' centres in primates. Students are introduced to the structure and organisation of the central and peripheral nervous system. The course begins with an exploration into the make-up of the individual cells, followed by an examination of the different regions of the nervous system. A final theme of the course touches on the organisation of various systems (sensory and motor), together with aspects of higher-order function (memory). In essence, the course covers general concepts of organisation, structure and function of the brain and its different areas. The practicals offer students the unique opportunity to examine specimens in the Anatomy labs and museum. This course will be of considerable interest to students studying science and related disciplines, as well as those wishing to pursue further study in Neuroscience at senior levels.
Learning Outcomes
Note
Information Classes Two 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour practical per week.
Assessment
Textbooks
Course Coordinator
Dr Karen Cullen |
| ANAT3004 Cranial and Cervical Anatomy |
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Learning Goals This unit of study covers skull, muscles of facial expression, muscles of jaw and neck, ear, eye, nose, oral cavity and larynx and pharynx as well as peripheral distribution of cranial nerves in the head and neck. The functional components of the cranial nerves and their relationship to the special senses and special motor functions such as facial gesture and speech are also studied. Tutorials are designed to encourage students to develop their own approach to the understanding and organisation of subject material. Communication of key concepts and presentation of subject material in an academic context are encouraged and assessed in a major assignment.
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Textbooks Course Coordinator
Robin Arnold |
| ANAT3008 Musculoskeletal Anatomy |
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Learning Goals The unit also aims to develop the general skills of observation, description, drawing, writing and discussion as applying to biological structure. The unit builds upon or compliments other macroscopic anatomy units offered by the Department and provides for the development of skills which could be relevant to a later honours project or higher degree in the field of stuctural biology.
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Assessment Course Coordinator
Dr Richard Ward |
| BMED2404 Microbes, infection and immunity |
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Learning Goals This is followed by a comprehensive discussion of molecular and cellular immune responses to pathogen invasion. In particular, this gives students an appreciation of the processing of antigens, the structure, production and diversity of antibodies, the operation of the complement system and mechanisms for recognition and destruction of invading microbes. The unit concludes with an overview of microbial diseases, the characteristics of causative agents, pathogenesis and symptoms as well as treatment and control and culminates with exploring current issues of antibiotic resistance, important emerging infections and vaccination strategies. Practical classes illustrate and underpin the lecture content. Students will investigate normal flora, host defences and medically important microbes and will obtain experience in, and an understanding of, a range of techniques in bacteriology.
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Course Coordinator
Helen Agus |
| BMED2405 Gut and nutrient metabolism |
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Learning Goals The pharmacokinetic perspective is explored with discussion of the metabolism and absorption of drugs including detoxification and excretion of xenobiotic compounds. The fate of the macronutrients (carbohydrate, fat and protein) is then considered in terms of their uptake, disposal and reassembly into storage fuels and cellular structures. The biochemical pathways involved in the extraction of energy from the macronutrient fuels are then covered. Examples of these metabolic processes are provided by considering fuel selection during starvation and in diabetes. Practical classes give students extensive experience with inspection of the gastrointestinal system at both the cellular and gross anatomical levels. The biochemical influences are explored. These sessions are designed to nurture observation, data analysis, record keeping and report writing skills.
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Course Coordinator
Dr Vanessa Gysbers |
| BMD2406 Hormones, kidney and reproduction |
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Learning Goals Students will then cover the structure and function of the renal system at both the cellular and gross anatomical level. The fundamental homeostatic processes of the kidney, such as acid-base regulation and how the kidneys are involved in maintenance of constant conditions in the human body, are explored. Homeostatic processes, such as pH and acid-base regulation of extracellular fluid, are discussed. This unit of study gives an introduction to the reproductive system, at both the anatomical and histological level. The hormones involved in reproduction, contraception, fertilization and pregnancy are discussed, leading on to an overview of pharmacological interventions in contraception. In the practical classes, specifically, students will investigate the structure and function of the endocrine glands, and perform a glucose tolerance test to investigate how glucose levels are regulated. In addition, sessions are designed to nurture oral presentation skills, hypothesis testing and data analysis.
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Course Coordinator
Dr Miriam Frommer |
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THEORY EMHU3001 Electron Microscopy and Imaging (co-requisite of EMHU3002) |
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Learning Outcomes for this unit of study
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Course Coordinator(s)
Dr. Suzanne Ollerenshaw Dr Allan Jones |
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PRACTICAL EMHU3002 Transmission & Scanning Electron Microscopy (co-req EMHU3001, permission required) |
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Learning Goals Students will also learn the operation of laser scanning confocal microscopes, including the use of fluorescent probes to visualize cellular organelles. Students will apply their knowledge to complete a project of their choice on electron microscopy of a biological tissue, from fixation of the tissue to interpretation of the resulting electron micrographs. Learning Outcomes for this unit of study
Information
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Textbooks Course Coordinator(s)
Dr. Suzanne Ollerenshaw Dr Allan Jones |
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THEORY HSTO3003 - Cells and Development (co-requisite of HSTO3004) |
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Learning Goals
Learning Outcomes
In addition, students in this unit of study should develop:
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Textbooks Course Coordinator
Frank Lovicu |
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PRACTICAL HSTO3004 - Cells and Development (co-requisite HSTO3003, permission required)(ADVANCED) |
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Learning Goals This unit of study will promote hands on experience with different animal models, allowing students to observe and examine developing and differentiating tissues at the macroscopic and microscopic level. The main emphasis of this unit of study will concentrate on practical approaches to understanding the mechanisms that control animal development. Fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation and the formation of the primary germ layers may be covered. The parts played by inductive cell and tissue interactions in differentiation, morphogenesis and pattern formation are also examined at cellular and molecular levels. Note that for some students, specialised practical classes may be carried out at the Westmead campus.
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Textbooks Course Coordinator
Frank Lovicu |
| NEUR3003 Cellular & Developmental Neuroscience |
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Learning Goals
Information
Prohibitions: NEUR3903, PHSI3002, PHSI3902
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Textbooks Course Coordinator
Kevin Keay (Head of Department) |
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ADVANCED NEUR3903 Cellular & Developmental Neuroscience (permission required) |
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Learning Goals
Information
Prohibitions: NEUR3003, PHSI3002, PHSI3902
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Assessment Textbooks Course Coordinator
Kevin Keay (Head of Department) |
| NEUR3004 Integrative Neuroscience |
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Learning Goals
Information
Prohibitions: NEUR3904, PHSI3002, PHSI3902
Classes
Assessment
Textbooks Course Coordinator
Kevin Keay (Head of Department) |
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ADVANCED NEUR3904 - Integrative Neuroscience (permission required) |
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Learning Goals
Information
Prohibitions: NEUR3004, PHSI3002, PHSI3902
Classes
Assessment
Textbooks Course Coordinator
Kevin Keay (Head of Department) |
The information on this page originates from the Units of Study Handbook. Always refer to the handbook for the most up to date information.