Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This interdisciplinary unit exposes students to the recent findings and emerging ideas in key areas of modern neuroscience. It covers (1) electrophysiology of neurones and glia; (2) synaptic anatomy and physiology, with reference to electrical, chemical and anatomical substrates of functional plasticity, learning and memory; (3) sensory mechanisms, encompassing the membrane biophysics of different types of receptor cells and the mechanisms of sensory encoding and signal processing, both peripherally and centrally; (4) growth and development of the mammalian nervous system, with particular attention to the mechanisms specifying cell lineage, cell number, differentiation, axon growth and the formation of appropriate synaptic connections; (5) selected aspects of integrative function of the brain including movement control, regulation of cortical excitability and higher cognitive functions; and (6) ageing and regeneration in the central nervous system—will functional repair be possible in the twenty-first century and what might be achieved with the use of neural prostheses?
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 2 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) recall and integrate key knowledge and concepts about (a) structure and function of neurons and glia; (b) synaptic physiology including plasticity; (c) peripheral sensory transduction and central aspects of sensory processing in normal and pathological states; (d) higher cognitive and motor functions in normal and pathological states; (e) growth and development of the nervous system; (f) responses of the nervous system to injury; and (g) cellular and technological strategies for repair of nervous systems and (2) research a chosen neuroscience topic in depth and deliver a seminar on that topic.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) a theory examination and (2) a seminar presentation. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Stuart Hodgetts
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Successful completion of
- Contact hours
- lectures: 3 hours per week
- Recommended
reading -
Bear, M. F. et al. Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain, 3rd edn: Williams & Wilkins 2006
Hille, B. Ionic Channels of Excitable Membranes, 3rd edn: Sinauer 2001
Kandel, E. R. et al. Principles of Neural Science, 4th edn: McGraw-Hill 1999
Purves, D. et al. eds Neuroscience, 2nd edn: Sinauer 2001
Shepherd, G. Neurobiology, 3rd edn: OUP 1994
Zigmond, M. J. et al. Fundamental Neuroscience: Academic Press 1999
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.