BIOS2171: Semester 2, 2025

Units BIOS2171 Semester 2 2025 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

BIOS2171: Human Neuroscience in Health and Disease

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

This intermediate unit of study will introduce the human nervous system and its function, with a focus on the control of movement. Content includes the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the healthy human, as well as the introduction of disorders of the nervous system, especially those affecting movement. The unit is designed to equip students to pursue advanced studies in clinical neuroscience or a professional degree program in medicine or other health professions. Material will be presented in lectures, tutorial and practical classes. Active learning approaches including case-based, on-line and individual learning will be used.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BIOS1171 or BIOS1166 or ANAT2010 or ANAT2910
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jin Huang, jin.huang@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final Exam Written exam - all MCQs	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quizzes Online quizzes	7.5%	Multiple weeks	Variable	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Participation in group project Particpation	10%	Ongoing	Small tasks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	#earlyfeedbacktask An online quiz	2.5%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59	Variable	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test ?	In-semester exam Written exam - all MCQs	25%	Week 08 Due date: 25 Sep 2025 at 08:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Poster submission Poster submission on Monday, Week 10. Group to present during Week 10 tutorial class.	15%	Week 10 Due date: 13 Oct 2025 at 23:59	Variable	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = 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

Mid-semester examination: Students will be examined on all content presented in lectures (weeks 1-5), tutorials & practical classes (weeks 1-7), plus Bioelectricity.

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.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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.

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	Basic structure 1, 2, 3	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to the Group research project, Bioelectricity Q&A	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Spinal cord; 2. Brainstem; 3. Membrane potential	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Basic Structure	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Action potential; 2. Synapse; 3. Cranial nerves	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Spinal cord	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	1. Cerebral hemispheres; 2. Sensory pathways; 3. Cortical structure	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Brainstem, cranial nerves and Basic function 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Somatosensation 1, 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Cerebral hemispheres and Basic function 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	1. NO LECTURE; 2. Auditory/Vestibular structure (at 9am for 1 hour only)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Somatosensation	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	1. Auditory/Vestibular function; 2. Revision; 3. Blood supply 1	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	1. Sensory pathways; 2. Basic function 3	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	1. Blood supply 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Vestibular system	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	1. Stretch reflex; 2. Multisynaptic reflexes; 3. Motor unit	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Reflexes	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	1. Posture 1; 2. Posture 2; 3. Corticospinal 1	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Group research project presentations	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	1. Corticospinal 2; 2. Cerebellum 1; 3. Cerebellum 2	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	1. Blood supply; 2. Motor control 1: spinal cord injury	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	1. Cerebellum 3; 2. Basal nuclei 1; 3. Basal nuclei 2	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	1. Cerebellum; 2. Motor control 2: stroke	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	1. Basal nuclei 3; 2. Autonomic structure; 3 Autonomic function	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Basal nuclei; Motor control 3: basal nuclei lesion	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lectures are not compulsory. Recordings will be avaialble as soon as possible. Please note technology does break down at times and it is your repsonsibility to keep up with the work.

Tutorial and practical classes are compulsory. Class attendance will be marked.

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 Science resolutions states:
9(1). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean.

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Crossman, A. R. & Neary, D. Neuroanatomy: An illustrated colour text, Churchill Livingstone.
Martini, F. H. Nath, J. L. & Bartholomew E. F. Fundamentals of anatomy and physiology, Pearson.
Purves, D., Augustine, G. J., Fitzpatrick, D., Hall, W. C., LaMantia, A.-S., Mooney, R. D., Platt, M. L. & White, L. E. Neuroscience, Oxford University Press.

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 structure of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the autonomic nervous system, and associated vascular systems.
LO2. Understand basic concepts underlying electrical and chemical communication in the nervous system.
LO3. Understand the principles of movement control including upper and lower motor neurons, reflexes, postural control and major movement pathways within the brain and spinal cord.
LO4. Understand the anatomy and physiology of sensory pathways, somatosensation and vestibular function.
LO5. Understand the pathophysiology of selected disorders of the nervous 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.

Delivered content range and the weighting of some assessments has been modified based on student feedback, for example to reduce workload, the total number of quizzes is significantly reduced.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

For wet anatomy tutorials, laboratory coats, gloves and fully enclosed shoes are required. Please tie back long hairs.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links