Outline

Overview

This unit of study focuses on the neuroscience of hearing. The aim is to provide an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism beginning with the 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 and basic mechanisms of reflexes. Students will also be introduced to the anatomy and physiology of the brain stem and cranial nerves. The second half of the course will focus on the structure and function of the ear, neural pathways associated with hearing, mechanisms of hearing mechanisms and diseases associated with hearing. Case studies aimed at identifying simple neural problems associated with sensory and hearing systems are specifically designed for students undertaking professional preparation degrees. Practical class attendance for this unit is compulsory.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	BIOS1163
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Damian Holsinger, damian.holsinger@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam MCQs / Multiple Answer Questions / SAQs	40%	Formal exam period	80 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Tutorial Quiz MCQs / Multiple Answer Questions	16%	Multiple weeks	15 Minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Tutorial Quiz MCQ	4%	Week 02 Due date: 08 Mar 2026 at 23:59	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	In-semester Test MCQs /Multiple Answer Questions	35%	Week 08 Due date: 21 Apr 2026 at 13:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Weekly Quiz MCQ / Multiple Answer Questions	5%	Weekly	Variable	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

In-semester exam: This exam will cover materials presented in weeks 1-6.
Final exam: This exam will cover materials presented in weeks 7-13.
Weekly quiz: There will be 10 weekly quizzes. Students will have unlimited attempts at each quiz but they must obtain above 90% for each quiz in order to obtain the 5%.
Tutorial quizzes: There will be 5 tutorial quizzes (4 marks each) in weeks 2, 4, 6, 10 and 12, for a total of 20%.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Mastery of topics showing extensive integration and ability to transfer knowledge to novel contexts; treatment of tasks shows an advanced synthesis of ideas; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is very well presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an outstanding level
Distinction	75 - 84	Excellent achievement, consistent evidence of deep understanding and application of knowledge in medical science; treatment of tasks shows advanced understanding of topics; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is well-presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a superior level
Credit	65 - 74	Confident in explaining medical science processes, with evidence of solid understanding and achievement; occasional lapses indicative of unresolved issues; treatment of tasks shows a good understanding of topic; work is well-presented with a minimum of errors; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a high level
Pass	50 - 64	Satisfactory level of engagement with and understanding of topic; some inconsistencies in understanding and knowledge of medical science; work is adequately presented, with some errors or omissions, most criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an adequate level
Fail	0 - 49	Unsatisfactory achievement and engagement with the medical science discipline; inadequate understanding or fundamental misunderstanding of topics; most criteria and learning outcomes not clearly or adequately addressed or achieved; lack of effort/involvement in the unit

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Weekly quizzes not submitted by the due date and time will receive a mark of 0. No Special Consideration permitted as quizzes are open for four days.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Introduction to unit; 2. Structure of the nervous system (NS)	Lecture (2 hr)
	1. Cerebral hemispheres and spinal cord anatomy; 2. Communication in NS	Lecture (2 hr)
	Cerebral hemispheres and spinal cord anatomy	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Generation and propagation of action potentials; 2. Communication in the nervous system	Lecture (2 hr)
	1. Communication in the NS (EPSPs, IPSPs); 2. Receptor mechanisms	Lecture (2 hr)
	1. Neurophysiology; 2. Case study	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Somatosensory anatomy and Physiology	Lecture (2 hr)
	Neuromuscular junction	Lecture (2 hr)
	Somatosensory system	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Reflex mechanisms	Lecture (2 hr)
	Structure and function of muscle 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Reflexes	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Structure and function of muscle 2	Lecture (2 hr)
	Brainstem and cranial nerve anatomy	Lecture (2 hr)
	Muscle	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	1. Neuroanatomy of CN VIII; 2. Diencephalon anatomy	Lecture (2 hr)
	Autonomic nervous system anatomy and physiology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Brainstem and cranial nerves	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Somatosensory anatomy and physiology 1	Lecture (2 hr)
	Motor systems anatomy and physiology 2	Lecture (2 hr)
	Somatosensory pathways. Diencephalon and ANS	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	1. Applied ear anatomy; 2. External and middle ear function	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	ENT Practical 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	The cochlear: structure and function	Lecture (2 hr)
	Structural organisation of the ascending auditory pathways	Lecture (2 hr)
	ENT Practical 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Information coding in the auditory brain (sound identification and localisation)	Lecture (2 hr)
	Auditory organisation and speech perception	Lecture (2 hr)
	ENT Practical 3	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Kabuki and Treacher Collins Syndrome and Pharynx	Lecture (2 hr)
	Inflammation and disease	Lecture (2 hr)
	Kabuki syndrome	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Plasticity and ageing in the auditory system	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Treacher Collins syndrome	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

LECTURES will be held on MONDAYS from 3-5pm, and TUESDAYS from 1-3pm (please check the online timetable for details). Attendance at lectures is compulsory.
A total of twelve (12) TUTORIAL classes will be held during semester on WEDNESDAYS from 10am - 12pm. Please check your personal timetable for room location. Attendance at tutorials is compulsory.
ALL Assessments must be completed in order to pass this Unit of Study. Failure to complete an assessment represents grounds for a 'Fail' grade.
The University of Sydney Coursework Policy 2014 states: 55 (2) A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the faculty resolutions, award course resolutions or unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study, including on matters such as: (a) attendance at and participation in lectures, seminars and tutorials; and (b) participation in practical work.
The Faculty of Medicine and Health resolutions states: 7(1) Students are required to attend at the correct time and place of any formal or informal examinations. Non-attendance on any grounds insufficient to claim special consideration or special arrangement will result in the forfeiture of marks associated with the assessment. Participation in a minimum number of assessment items may be included in the requirements specified for a unit of study.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There are no prescribed readings for this unit.
Recommended readings can be accessed through the Library eReserve link which is available on the BIOS2166 Canvas homepage.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Understand the basic functional anatomy of the nervous system
LO2. Understand the electrochemical basis for the generation and conduction of nerve impulses and understand the role of synapses in the transmission of information in the nervous system
LO3. Understand the concept and function of receptors as well as their inclusion as components of a reflex and recognize a reflex as components of a control system
LO4. Understand the role of a neuromuscular junction in the transmission of signals from nerve to muscle, describe the structure and function of muscle cells and explain how they transmit signals to cause contraction
LO5. Describe structures associated with the diencephalon and brain stem and identify the location and function of the twelve cranial nerves
LO6. Understand the structure and function of the autonomic nervous system
LO7. Describe the organization and function of somatosensory and motor pathways and understand how lesions affect function
LO8. Describe the structure and function of the different components of the ear (including the external, middle and internal parts)
LO9. Describe the structural organization of the ascending and descending auditory pathways
LO10. Understand how information is coding in the auditory brain including the identification and localization of sound and speech perception
LO11. Understand age-related changes that occur in the auditory system including plasticity in the auditory cortex
LO12. Understand the effects of inflammation and disease associated with the auditory system

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Student feedback via the Unit of Study Survey (USS) is critical in the development in this Unit of Study. Based on feedback, Tutorial Quiz content will now cover the previous (and not current) week's content. This will provide students with one week to prepare for tutorial quizzes.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BIOS2166: Neuroscience of Hearing

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links