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Unit of study_
NEUR3905: Neuroscience across the Lifespan (Advanced)
2025 unit information
This unit is designed to explore the intricate processes of brain development, neurodevelopmental disorders, pain mechanisms, and neurodegeneration across the human lifespan. In the first module, students will delve into the stages of brain development during embryogenesis, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that guide neural induction and patterning. It will also cover the genetic regulation of neurodevelopment, and examine the genetic and epigenetic bases of exemplar neurodevelopmental disorders. The second module will explore the biological significance of pain, from peripheral and central responses to trauma, through the transition from acute injury to chronic pain, and the mechanisms of pain modulation and analgesia. In the final module, the focus shifts to neurodegeneration, introducing the spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases, their clinical presentations, and underlying pathologies, plus emerging treatment options. Throughout the unit, practical classes will allow students to understand structural and gene expression changes that happen during neurodevelopment, identify gene variants responsible for disease, investigate experimental techniques to study pain neurobiology, and gain understanding of how neurodegenerative disease is diagnosed. By undertaking the advanced unit students will participate in weekly small group seminars under the guidance of a research-active academic. The seminars will take the form of a Journal Club, a style practiced widely in research laboratories around the world. The aim of the Journal Club is to develop critical thinking and detailed knowledge in a specific area of neuroscience research through group discussions. The Journal Club will also develop the skills required to lead a discussion in a small group setting. This unit will develop key attributes that are essential for science graduates as they move forward in their careers.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Medicine and Health
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Department of Medical Sciences |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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Mark of 70 or more in (NEUR2001 or ANAT2010 or MEDS2005 or ANAT2910) and 72 credit points 1000 to 3000 level units |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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NEUR3001 or NEUR3901 or NEUR3002 or NEUR3902 or NEUR3005 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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NEUR2001 |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Describe and critique changes in the nervous system across the lifespan
- LO2. Demonstrate high level competency in neuroscience communication
- LO3. Compare and contrast multidisciplinary approaches in neuroscience
- LO4. Apply knowledge of technological advances to novel problems in neuroscience
- LO5. Investigate and critique the pathophysiology of central nervous system disorders
- LO6. Analyse and evaluate the key processes which underly the current knowledge of CNS diseases and their prevention, diagnosis and therapy
- LO7. Demonstrate and apply an advanced ability to critically evaluate current research in neuroscience
- LO8. Critique and appraise current research dogmas in neuroscience
- LO9. Reframe current preclinical research approaches and formulate new hypotheses
Unit availability
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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