NEUR3905: Neuroscience across the Lifespan (Advanced)
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Unit of study_

NEUR3905: Neuroscience across the Lifespan (Advanced)

2025 unit information

This unit is designed to explore the intricate processes of brain development, neurodevelopmental disorders, pain mechanisms, and neurodegeneration across the human lifespan. In the first module, students will delve into the stages of brain development during embryogenesis, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that guide neural induction and patterning. It will also cover the genetic regulation of neurodevelopment, and examine the genetic and epigenetic bases of exemplar neurodevelopmental disorders. The second module will explore the biological significance of pain, from peripheral and central responses to trauma, through the transition from acute injury to chronic pain, and the mechanisms of pain modulation and analgesia. In the final module, the focus shifts to neurodegeneration, introducing the spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases, their clinical presentations, and underlying pathologies, plus emerging treatment options. Throughout the unit, practical classes will allow students to understand structural and gene expression changes that happen during neurodevelopment, identify gene variants responsible for disease, investigate experimental techniques to study pain neurobiology, and gain understanding of how neurodegenerative disease is diagnosed. By undertaking the advanced unit students will participate in weekly small group seminars under the guidance of a research-active academic. The seminars will take the form of a Journal Club, a style practiced widely in research laboratories around the world. The aim of the Journal Club is to develop critical thinking and detailed knowledge in a specific area of neuroscience research through group discussions. The Journal Club will also develop the skills required to lead a discussion in a small group setting. This unit will develop key attributes that are essential for science graduates as they move forward in their careers.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Medicine and Health

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
Mark of 70 or more in (NEUR2001 or ANAT2010 or MEDS2005 or ANAT2910) and 72 credit points 1000 to 3000 level units
Corequisites:
? 
None
Prohibitions:
? 
NEUR3001 or NEUR3901 or NEUR3002 or NEUR3902 or NEUR3005
Assumed knowledge:
? 
NEUR2001

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 ageing 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 scientific validity reported in original neuroscience research papers through careful analysis of the methodology used and results presented
  • LO14. demonstrate a deep understanding of the topic of neuroscience through participation in group discussions and the asking of knowledgeable questions
  • LO15. communicate primary research by presenting a journal article to the group, and being prepared to answer questions on the topic
  • LO16. Produce a short research report on the specific area of neuroscience which you have focused, demonstrating a good awareness of the field and with a view to promising future directions

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 ? 
Semester 1 2025
Normal day Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2020
Normal day Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Remote
Outline unavailable
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

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