BRAIN, MIND AND BEHAVIOUR

BIO3BMB

2017

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

In this subject students will explore contemporary neurophysiology, with the emphasis on the process of experimental discovery. The subject will cover functional anatomy of the brain and neural imaging, synaptic integration, computational characteristics of neuronal circuits, information processing in the visual system, and higher functions such as sleep, learning, memory and movement control. The practical component aims to complement the theory and consolidate experimental skills. Class discussion on current topics and controversies in neuroscience will be delivered from a multidisciplinary perspective.

School: School of Molecular Sciences/LIMS

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Christine Kettle

Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 3 - UG

Exchange Students: Yes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: PHA2PGA

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: N/A

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Special conditions: N/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsPrinciples of Neural ScienceRecommendedKandel, ER, Schwartz, JH and Jessell TM 20004TH ED, MCGRAW HILL

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Explain the role of neurotransmitter systems in the operation of the central nervous system and describe how neural activity may explain behaviour

Activities:
Taught in lectures, applied during tutorials, and assessed in exam
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)

02. Articulate the scientific and experimental nature of physiology

Activities:
Explained in lectures, applied in pracs, and assessed in exam and prac interview
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Speaking(Speaking)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

03. Demonstrate basic dexterity with a range of instrumentation and experimental techniques

Activities:
Applied during pracs and assessed in prac interview
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

04. Evaluate experimental design and interpret data, and constructively criticise own and others' results

Activities:
Discussed during tutorials, applied in pracs, and assessed in article presentations and prac interview
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
Speaking(Speaking)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

05. Present a balanced position between the reductionist's view and a holistic context

Activities:
Explained in lectures, discussed during tutorials, and assessed in article presentations
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Speaking(Speaking)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

06. Relate neurobiology to disciplines other than physiology, such as artificial intelligence, psychology and ethology

Activities:
Taught in lectures, exercised during pracs, assessed in exam
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

07. Express and promote ethical awareness

Activities:
Demonstrated during pracs and article presentations, assessed during prac interview
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
Speaking(Speaking)

Bendigo, 2017, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information:

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Christine Kettle

Class requirements

Laboratory ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.

LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.

TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
Book chapter (1000 words per author)2001, 02, 04, 05, 06, 07
End of semester written exam (2 hours)4001, 02, 04, 05, 06, 07
Group presentation (40 mins) (250 word equiv per student)1001, 03, 04, 07
Chapter review (500words)2001, 02, 06, 07
Chapter summary and questions (500 words)1001, 02, 06