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Unit of study_

BIOS1166: Neuroscience I: Communication Disorders

This unit of study introduces fundamental concepts of nervous system structure and function. Anatomy of the brain and spinal cord is studied using models. The physiological component of the unit will cover topics such as the generation of a nerve impulse or signal, basic mechanisms of spinal reflexes and the function of the somatosensory system. Students will also be introduced to the anatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system and sensory pathways. Case studies aimed at identifying simple nervous system problems associated with sensory and motor systems are specifically designed for students undertaking professional preparation degrees. Practical class attendance for this unit is compulsory.

Code BIOS1166
Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Understand the basic functional anatomy of the nervous system
  • LO2. Describe the electrochemical basis for the generation and conduction of nerve impulses
  • LO3. Describe the role of synapses in the transmission, integration and filtering of information in the nervous system
  • LO4. Understand how receptors function as a sensor and describe the mechanisms by which information is transmitted from the receptor to the nervous system
  • LO5. Describe the components of a reflex and recognize these as components of a control system
  • LO6. Understand the role of a neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in the transmission of signals from a motor nerve to muscle membrane
  • LO7. Describe the structure and function of muscle cells and explain how action potentials are transmitted through a muscle
  • LO8. Describe the anatomical components and pathways in the brain and spinal cord
  • LO9. Describe structures associated with the brain stem and identify the location and function of the twelve cranial nerves
  • LO10. Describe the structure and function of the diencephalon
  • LO11. Understand the structure and function of the autonomic nervous system
  • LO12. Describe the organization and function of somatosensory pathways and understand the effects of lesions associated with these pathways