Outline

Overview

The aim of this unit is to provide students with advanced knowledge of functional neuroanatomy and systems neuroscience, and an appreciation that neuroscience is a constantly evolving field. There will be a detailed exploration of the anatomical structures and pathways that underlie sensation and perception in each of the sensory modalities. The neural circuits and mechanisms that control somatic and autonomic motor systems, motivated behaviours, emotions, and other higher order functions will be explored in great detail based on current neuroscience literature. Practical classes will allow students to identify and learn the functions of critical anatomical structures in human brain and spinal cord specimens. Reading and interpreting images from functional and structural brain imaging techniques will be incorporated into the neuroanatomy practical classes, and develop an appreciation of how these technologies can be used in neuroscience research. The Neuroscience in the Media seminars will develop neuroscience literature searching skills as well as developing critical thinking and analysis of the accuracy of the media portrayal of neuroscience research. Building on these skills and working in small groups, students will re-frame and communicate neuroscience evidence through the production of a short video. Students will also learn the skills required to write an unbiased and accurate popular media article based on a recent neuroscience research paper. This unit will develop key attributes that are essential for science graduates as they move forward in their careers.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	72cp 1000 to 3000 level units
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	NEUR3001 or NEUR3901 or NEUR3002 or NEUR3902 or NEUR3905
Assumed knowledge ?	Fundamental knowledge of human anatomy and neuroanatomy (ANAT2X10 or MEDS2005 or BMED2402)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Catherine Leamey, catherine.leamey@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Michelle Gerke-Duncan, michelle.gerke@sydney.edu.au
	Catherine Leamey, catherine.leamey@sydney.edu.au
	Karen Cullen, karen.cullen@sydney.edu.au
	Paul Austin, paul.austin@sydney.edu.au
	Kevin Keay, kevin.keay@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final theory exam In person final exam. MCQs and SAQs.	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Supervised exam ?	Final Spot test Final Spot test	20%	Formal exam period	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Summative Canvas Quizzes Short online weekly quizzes. Top 10 marks used towards final grade.	10%	Multiple weeks	15 mins each
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Neuroscience in the media participation Participation	5%	Multiple weeks	ongoing
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	View neuroanatomy videos and complete quizzes Quiz	0%	Ongoing	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	View brain imaging videos Preparation	0%	Ongoing	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Spot test 1 Spot test 1 (mid-semester exam)	10%	Week 07	30 Minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Neuroscience in the media group video task Video task including reflection statement	15%	Week 10 Due date: 29 Apr 2024 at 23:59	Maximum video length 4mins24secs.
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Self assess understanding of lecture learning outcomes Short answer questions	0%	Weekly	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Mid-semester spot test: The mid semester spot test will be a quiz based on identification of structures on wet-specimens and function questions based upon tutorial and lecture content presented in weeks 1-5 inclusive.
Neuroscience in the media participation: Students will be awarded participation grades for the group tasks.
Short summative Quizzes: A short online quiz will be provided in Canvas each week. The top ten marks will be used towards your summative assessment. Please note there will be no special consideration for these quizzes.
Neuroscience in the media group video task: Group videos will need to be worked on outside of class. In the week 11 Neuroscience in the media seminar, the videos will be watched by the whole class and be peer and tutor assessed.
Tutorial Questions: Students will answer formative tutorial questions each week and assess their own understanding by checking against answers published on Canvas.
Final practical exam: This will be based on identification of structures on wet-specimens, photographs and brain images. Students will also be asked questions on the function of structures covered in tutorials and lectures.
Final theory exam: The final exam will cover lecture content from throughout the semester.
Self assess understanding of learning outcomes: Individual lecturers provide lecture specific learning outcomes as slides in their Powerpoint presentations. Students will test their understanding by attempting to write a short answer to each of these specific learning outcomes.
View neuroanatomy videos and complete quizzes: These videos will be available on Canvas from the week in which the corresponding tutorial is held. There will be a short introduction to the weeks topic followed by a formative online quiz, which can be completed as many times as the student wishes.
View brain imaging videos: Brain imaging videos will be available on Canvas from the week in which the
corresponding tutorial is held. There will be associated tasks in the tutorials related to these videos to faciliate a better understanding of functional imaging.

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.

Grade	Descriptors	Explanation / Interpretation
High distinction (85 - 100)	Work of exceptional standard	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)	Work of superior standard	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)	Competent work demonstrating potential for higher study	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)	Work of acceptable standard	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)	Work not of acceptable standard	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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Assignments (and other assessment items) submitted late without permission (see Special Considerations: http://sydney.edu.au/students/special-consideration-and-arrangements.html) will incur a late penalty equal to 5% of the maximum awardable mark per day. These deductions will continue for 10 calendar days or until the solutions for the assignment are released or marked assignments are returned to other students. At that point the mark awarded will be zero. For example, on an assignment given a mark of 70/100, the penalty would be 5 marks if submitted up to 24 hours late, resulting in a final mark of 65/100. If the assignment is submitted 6 days late, the penalty would be 30 marks and the final mark would be 40/100. If the assignment is more than 10 days late or submitted after the solutions for the assignment are released or marked assignments are returned to other students, the final mark will be zero.

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.

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 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Neuroscience in the media seminars. These classes will be held in weeks 3,6 and 11 only.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 01	Introduction. Lecture 1: How to build a brain Lecture 2: Blood supply and BBB	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	The chemical senses. Lecture 3: Olfaction Lecture 4: Gustation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Seeing and hearing Lecture 5: Vision Lecture 6: Audition	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Subconscious senses Lecture 7: Propioception Lecture 8: Vestibular system	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Physical sensations Lecture 9: Touch Lecture 10: Temperature and pain	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Multisensory integration Lecture 11: Subcortical centres Lecture 12: Cortex	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Reflexes and movement Lecture 13: Ventral horn and brainstem Lecture 14: Visceral motor system	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Voluntary movement Lecture 15: Motor cortex Lecture 16: Cerebellum	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Motor systems Lecture 17: Basal ganglia	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Arousal systems Lecture 18: Sleep and arousal Lecture 19: Hypothalamus - fight or flight	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Needs and urges Lecture 20: Hypothalamus - feeding Lecture 21: Hypothalamus - sexual behaviour	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Fear and pain Lecture 22: Fear Lecture 23: Pain	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Memory and aging Lecture 24: Memory Lecture 25: aging and dementia	Lecture (2 hr)
Weekly	Neuroanatomy tutorials. These will occur weekly and complement/reinforce the associated lecture content. This will involve study of brain specimens, brain imaging and models.	Tutorial (1.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance in the 3 Neuroscience in the media seminars, 1 guest lecture, and weekly 1 hour neuroanatomy tutorials is compulsory, and a requirement to successfully complete the UoS. This includes attendance in online tutorials and seminars for the remote stream.

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

Nolte's The Human Brain. An Introduction To Its Functional Anatomy. Todd Vanderah Douglas Gould. 7th Edition, C.V. Mosby Elsevier 2015.
The Human Brain In Photographs And Diagrams. John Nolte. 4th ed. Mosby Elsevier 2013.

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. describe the anatomical structures that form the blood brain barrier, as well as the ventricles and cisterns
LO2. understand and be able to describe the anatomical structures and pathways that underlie transmission of all special senses (the chemical senses, audition, vision, and the vestibular system), as well as somatosensory information to spinal cord and brain
LO3. understand and be able to describe the anatomical structures and pathways that underlie autonomic and somatic motor systems
LO4. understand and be able to describe the structure and function of anatomical structures which underlie motivated behaviours, emotions, sleep and memory
LO5. outline the neural structures and systems that control sleep and vegetative states
LO6. explain the processes that lead to brain development, brain aging and dementia
LO7. interpret structural and functional information from various kinds of neural-imaging techniques and understand the possible applications of such technology
LO8. identify and trace the major blood vessels, meninges, cisterns and ventricles of the human brain and spinal cord
LO9. identify and trace the structures that form the sensory pathways of all the special senses (the chemical senses, audition, vision, and the vestibular system)
LO10. identify and trace the cranial nerves, cranial nerve nuclei, thalamic nuclei and cortical regions which transmit and process the sensory modalities
LO11. identify all primary sensory and motor areas, as well as major association areas
LO12. identify and trace somatic and autonomic motor pathways which control conscious and unconscious motor output
LO13. critique the science reported in published research papers
LO14. re-frame primary neuroscience papers by producing, as a group, a short video-blog or news segment which is accessible to a non-expert audience. Reflect your efforts and contribution to the group.

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.

Timetabling of lectures and assessment dates have been optimised.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Safety and Ethical requirements for tutorials

Once inside the tutorial rooms you must:
Wear closed-toed shoes (no sandals or thongs).
Wear a lab coat that is completely fastened.
Wear TWO disposable gloves - Please be aware gloves will NOT be provided by the Discipline and should be purchased from the campus shop or off-campus prior to class.
Tie long hair back.
If you do not have the correct protective equipment you will NOT be allowed to enter the class.
Respect the specimens at all times.
Cover or put away the specimens after use.
Keep the specimens wet with the spray provided.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

NEUR3005: Neuroscience

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect