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Unit of study_
BIOS1166: Neuroscience I: Communication Disorders
2025 unit information
This unit of study introduces fundamental concepts of nervous system structure and function. Anatomy of the brain and spinal cord is studied using models. The physiological component of the unit will cover topics such as the generation of a nerve impulse or signal, basic mechanisms of spinal reflexes and the function of the somatosensory system. Students will also be introduced to the anatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system and sensory pathways. Case studies aimed at identifying simple nervous system problems associated with sensory and motor systems are specifically designed for students undertaking professional preparation degrees. Practical class attendance for this unit is compulsory.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Medicine and Health
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Department of Medical Sciences |
| 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. Understand the basic functional anatomy of the nervous system
- LO2. Describe the electrochemical basis for the generation and conduction of nerve impulses
- LO3. Describe the role of synapses in the transmission, integration and filtering of information in the nervous system
- LO4. Understand how receptors function as a sensor and describe the mechanisms by which information is transmitted from the receptor to the nervous system
- LO5. Describe the components of a reflex and recognize these as components of a control system
- LO6. Understand the role of a neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in the transmission of signals from a motor nerve to muscle membrane
- LO7. Describe the structure and function of muscle cells and explain how action potentials are transmitted through a muscle
- LO8. Describe the anatomical components and pathways in the brain and spinal cord
- LO9. Describe structures associated with the brain stem and identify the location and function of the twelve cranial nerves
- LO10. Describe the structure and function of the diencephalon
- LO11. Understand the structure and function of the autonomic nervous system
- LO12. Describe the organization and function of somatosensory pathways and understand the effects of lesions associated with these pathways
- LO13. Apply fundamental knowledge gained in this unit to a critical evaluation of primary research in the literature.
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 2 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
