Program Overview

Introduction to Neuroscience

The unit BMSD206 - Introduction to Neuroscience is designed to develop students' understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system. This includes the role of the nervous system in emotion, behavior, and selected disorders.

Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim

A thorough knowledge and understanding of how the human body functions, particularly the nervous system, is essential for those contemplating a career in biomedical sciences. The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the basic structure and function of the nervous system, including the organization of the human brain and spinal cord at molecular, cellular, organ, and organ system levels.

Campus Offerings

The unit is offered at the following campuses:

• Brisbane
• Melbourne
• North Sydney

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for this unit is BIOD125 Human Biology 1.

Incompatible Units

This unit is incompatible with BMSC206 Introduction to Neuroscience.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successfully completing this unit, students will be able to:

1. Describe the gross anatomy and cellular structure and function of the nervous system.
2. Discuss the physiological processes involved in sensory and motor functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
3. Apply the mechanisms of higher brain function, including learning, memory, and language, to both physiological and pathological contexts.
4. Explain the neurobiology that underlies addictive behavior and other mental health conditions.

Content

Topics covered in this unit include:

• Overview of the structure and function of the nervous system
• Structure and function of key areas of the brain, brainstem, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system
• Structure and function of neuronal cells
• Signal transduction and communication between neurons
• The somatosensory system
• The special senses (e.g., vision, hearing, taste, and balance)
• Function of the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and basal nuclei in motor control, posture, and balance
• Higher brain functions: learning, memory, and language, including their pathologies
• Molecular basis of addiction and mental health disorders

Assessment Strategy and Rationale

The assessment strategy is designed to assist students in reaching their learning objectives in a stepwise fashion. Assessments include:

• Quizzes (Quiz 1A and Quiz 1B)
• Written assessment
• End-semester written examination

Each assessment is designed to evaluate students' understanding and application of key concepts in neuroscience.

Learning and Teaching Strategy and Rationale

This unit uses an active learning approach, encouraging participation and questioning during lectures and practical classes. Online material is provided through Canvas, including formative quizzes and additional learning activities. Transition pedagogies are incorporated to support students' development of foundation-level discipline-based knowledge, skills, and attributes.

Representative Texts and References

Recommended texts include:

• Purves, D., Augustine, G.J., Fitzpatrick D., Hall, W.C., LaMantia, A.S., Mooney, R., Platt, M. & White L (2018). Neuroscience (6th Ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Garrett, B. & Hough, G. (2021). Brain & Behavior: An Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience (6th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.
• Kandel, E. R., Koester, J.D., Mack, S. H. & Siegelbaum, S. A. (2021). Principles of neural science (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill, Health Professions Division.
• Mtui, E., Gruener, G. & Dockery, P. (2021). Clinical neuroanatomy and neuroscience (8th ed.). Elsevier Saunders.
• Schmidt, R.A. & Lee, T. (2020). Motor learning and performance: from principles to application (6th ed.). Human Kinetics, Inc.

Locations and Credit Points

This unit is offered at Brisbane, Melbourne, and North Sydney campuses and is worth 10 credit points.