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Unit outline_

BIOS2171: Human Neuroscience in Health and Disease

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This intermediate unit of study will introduce the human nervous system and its function, with a focus on the control of movement. Content includes the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the healthy human, as well as the introduction of disorders of the nervous system, especially those affecting movement. The unit is designed to equip students to pursue advanced studies in clinical neuroscience or a professional degree program in medicine or other health professions. Material will be presented in lectures, tutorial and practical classes. Active learning approaches including case-based, on-line and individual learning will be used.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
BIOS1171 or BIOS1166 or ANAT2010 or ANAT2910
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Catherine Leamey, catherine.leamey@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) David Mor, david.mor@sydney.edu.au
Catherine Leamey, catherine.leamey@sydney.edu.au
Jin Huang, jin.huang@sydney.edu.au
Damian Holsinger, damian.holsinger@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final Exam
Written exam - all MCQs
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Small test Quizzes
Online quizzes
10% Multiple weeks n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Participation Participation in group project
Particpation
10% Ongoing Small tasks
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5
Supervised test
? 
In-semester exam
Written exam - all MCQs
25% Week 08
Due date: 19 Sep 2024 at 08:00
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation group assignment Poster presentation
Presentation of group research project
15% Week 10 10mins
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Mid-semester examination: Students will be examined on all content presented in lectures (weeks 1-5), tutorials & practical classes (weeks 1-7), plus Bioelectricity.

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

Mastery of topics showing extensive integration and ability to transfer knowledge to novel contexts; treatment of tasks shows an advanced synthesis of ideas; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is very well presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an outstanding level.

Distinction

75 - 84

Excellent achievement, consistent evidence of deep understanding and application of knowledge in medical science; treatment of tasks shows advanced understanding of topics; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is well-presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a superior level.

Credit

65 - 74

Confident in explaining medical science processes, with evidence of solid understanding and achievement; occasional lapses indicative of unresolved issues; treatment of tasks shows a good understanding of topic; work is well-presented with a minimum of errors; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a high level.

Pass

50 - 64

Satisfactory level of engagement with and understanding of topic; some inconsistencies in understanding and knowledge of medical science; work is adequately presented, with some errors or omissions, most criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an adequate level.

Fail

0 - 49

Unsatisfactory achievement and engagement with the medical science discipline; inadequate understanding or fundamental misunderstanding of topics; most criteria and learning outcomes not clearly or adequately addressed or achieved; lack of effort/involvement in the unit.

For more information see guide to grades.

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 Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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 2023 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 2023. 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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Basic structure 1, 2, 3 Lecture (3 hr) LO1
Introduction to the Independent Learning Project, Bioelectricity Q&A Tutorial (2 hr) LO5
Week 02 1. Spinal cord; 2. Brainstem; 3. Membrane potential Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Basic Structure Tutorial (2 hr) LO1
Week 03 1. Action potential; 2. Synapse; 3. Cranial nerves Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Spinal cord Tutorial (2 hr) LO1
Week 04 1. Cerebral hemispheres; 2. Sensory pathways; 3. Cortical structure Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO4
Brainstem, cranial nerves and Basic function 1 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 1. Somatosensation 1; 2. Somatosensation 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4
Cerebral hemispheres and Basic function 2 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 06 1. NO LECTURE; 2. Auditory/Vestibular structure (at 9am for 1 hour only) Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Somatosensation Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO4
Week 07 1. Auditory/Vestibular function; 2. Revision; 3. Blood supply 1 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
1. Sensory pathways; 2. Basic function 3 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 08 1. Blood supply 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO5
Vestibular system Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO4
Week 09 1. Stretch reflex; 2. Multisynaptic reflexes; 3. Motor unit Lecture (3 hr) LO3 LO5
Reflexes Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 10 1. Posture 1; 2. Posture 2; 3. Corticospinal 1 Lecture (3 hr) LO3 LO5
Group project presentations Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 11 1. Corticospinal 2; 2. Cerebellum 1; 3. Cerebellum 2 Lecture (3 hr) LO3 LO5
1. Blood supply; 2. Motor control 1: spinal cord injury Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5
Week 12 1. Cerebellum 3; 2. Basal nuclei 1; 3. Basal nuclei 2 Lecture (3 hr) LO3 LO5
1. Cerebellum; 2. Motor control 2: stroke Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO5
Week 13 1. Basal nuclei 3; 2. Autonomic structure; 3 Autonomic function Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5
Basal nuclei; Motor control 3: basal nuclei lesion Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Lectures are not compulsory. Recordings will be avaialble as soon as possible. Please note technology does break down at times and it is your repsonsibility to keep up with the work.

Tutorial and practical classes are compulsory. Class attendance will be marked.

The University of Sydney Coursework Policy 2014 states: 
55 (2) A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the faculty resolutions, award course resolutions or unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study, including on matters such as: (a) attendance at and participation in lectures, seminars and tutorials; and (b) participation in practical work.
 
The Faculty of Science resolutions states:
9(1). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean.

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

The primary text for the unit is:

  • Crossman, A. R. & Neary, D. Neuroanatomy: An illustrated colour text. 5th edition. Churchill Livingstone.

A link to an electronic version of this text is available on the Canvas site.

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.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Understand the basic structure of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the autonomic nervous system, and associated vascular systems.
  • LO2. Understand basic concepts underlying electrical and chemical communication in the nervous system.
  • LO3. Understand the principles of movement control including upper and lower motor neurons, reflexes, postural control and major movement pathways within the brain and spinal cord.
  • LO4. Understand the anatomy and physiology of sensory pathways, somatosensation and vestibular function.
  • LO5. Understand the pathophysiology of selected disorders of the nervous system

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

Delivered content range and the weighting of some assessments has been modified based on student feedback, for example the total number of quizzes is significantly reduced.

Work, health and safety

For wet anatomy tutorials, laboratory coats, gloves and fully enclosed shoes are required.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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