Outline

Overview

This unit is designed to explore the intricate processes of brain development, neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, and neurodegeneration across the human lifespan. In the first module, students will learn about 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 neurobiological mechanisms of particular significance in young adulthood, namely the development of psychiatric disorders. 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 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

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	Mark of 70 or more in (NEUR2001 or ANAT2010 or ANAT2910 or MEDS2005) and 72 credit points 1000 to 3000 level units
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	NEUR3001 or NEUR3901 or NEUR3002 or NEUR3902 or NEUR3005
Assumed knowledge ?	NEUR2001
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Carol Dobson-Stone, carol.dobson-stone@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	NEUR3X05 final exam Closed book exam	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	NEUR3905 journal club presentation Q&A Response to questions after the student's own journal club presentation	5%	Multiple weeks	1 x 45 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	NEUR3905 journal club presentation Oral presentation	10%	Multiple weeks	1 x 45 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	NEUR3905 journal club contribution Contribution to journal club discussions during the semester	5%	Multiple weeks	9 x 1 hour	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Neurodevelopment module test Closed book on-campus test. Held during normal timetabled class time	14%	Week 04 Due date: 18 Mar 2026 at 11:00	1 hour	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Neurobiology of psychiatric disorders module report Submission of a written assignment related to the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders labs	13%	Week 08 Due date: 21 Apr 2026 at 23:59	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Neurodegeneration module test Closed book on-campus test. Held during normal timetabled class time	13%	Week 12 Due date: 20 May 2026 at 11:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Neurodevelopment module test: Closed book pen and paper test. This test will assess your progress in understanding the lecture and practical class material presented in the neurodevelopment module. The types of questions will be multiple choice and short answer questions.
Neurobiology of psychiatric disorders module report: Students will submit an assignment based on data analysed and approaches used in the dry labs of this module.

Neurodegeneration module test: Closed book pen and paper test. This test will assess your progress in understanding the lecture and practical class material presented in the neurodegeneration module and its application to patient case studies.

NEUR3905 journal club contribution: Students will be awarded a grade covering attendance, engagement and contribution to the discussion in each class, averaged over the semester.
NEUR3905 journal club presentation: Journal club tutors will explain the required format and expectations of the presentation.
NEUR3X05 final exam: The final exam will cover content from lectures and practicals from throughout the semester. The lecture and practical notes will help you gauge the level of detail you are required to understand. The types of questions will include fill in the blank, multiple choice and short answer questions.

Detailed information for each assessment will be provided on Canvas. Please follow Canvas announcements from the co-ordinators for all updates

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.

Grade	Descriptors	Explanation / Interpretation
High distinction (85 - 100)	Work of exceptional standard	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)	Work of superior standard	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)	Competent work demonstrating potential for higher study	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)	Work of acceptable standard	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)	Work not of acceptable standard	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:

Assignments (and other assessment items) submitted late without permission (see Special Considerations: http://sydney.edu.au/students/special-consideration-and-arrangements.html) will incur a late penalty equal to 5% of the maximum awardable mark per day. These deductions will continue for 10 calendar days or until the solutions for the assignment are released or marked assignments are returned to other students. At that point the mark awarded will be zero. For example, on an assignment given a mark of 70/100, the penalty would be 5 marks if submitted up to 24 hours late, resulting in a final mark of 65/100. If the assignment is submitted 6 days late, the penalty would be 30 marks and the final mark would be 40/100. If the assignment is more than 10 days late or submitted after the solutions for the assignment are released or marked assignments are returned to other students, the final mark will be zero.

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	The developing brain 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	The developing brain 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dry lab: Neurodevelopment during embryogenesis	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	Gene mutations	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Mechanism and regulation of gene expression during neural development	Lecture (1 hr)
	Epigenetics - neural response to a changing environment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dry Lab: Neural gene expression changes in embryogenesis	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	Gene mutations & genetic overview of major neurodevelopmental disorders	Lecture (1 hr)
	Researcher talk 1 - focus on gene discovery	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dry Lab: Identifying gene variants responsible for disease	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Researcher talk 2 - focus on animal models	Lecture (1 hr)
	Researcher talk 3 - focus on induced pluripotent stem cells	Lecture (1 hr)
	NEUR3905 Journal club: read, present and discuss a series of primary neuroscience research articles	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 05	Neural circuits for emotion and anxiety	Lecture (1 hr)
	Network dynamics and fear circuitry	Lecture (1 hr)
	Neurobiology of psychiatric disorders: dry lab 1	Practical (2 hr)
	NEUR3905 Journal club: read, present and discuss a series of primary neuroscience research articles	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 06	Macro to micro scale pathology in psychiatric disorders	Lecture (1 hr)
	Molecular drivers and cell-type specificity in psychiatric disorders	Lecture (1 hr)
	Neurobiology of psychiatric disorders: dry lab 2	Practical (2 hr)
	NEUR3905 Journal club: read, present and discuss a series of primary neuroscience research articles	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 07	Molecular and circuit mechanisms in mood disorders	Lecture (1 hr)
	Molecular and circuit mechanisms in anxiety disorders	Lecture (1 hr)
	Neurobiology of psychiatric disorders: dry lab 3	Practical (2 hr)
	NEUR3905 Journal club: read, present and discuss a series of primary neuroscience research articles	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 08	Molecular neurobiology of PTSD	Lecture (1 hr)
	Molecular neurobiology of schizophrenia	Lecture (1 hr)
	NEUR3905 Journal club: read, present and discuss a series of primary neuroscience research articles	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 09	Common features of neurodegenerative diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Mechanisms of neurodegeneration	Lecture (1 hr)
	Wet Lab: Neuroanatomy of neurodegenerative diseases	Practical (1.5 hr)
	NEUR3905 Journal club: read, present and discuss a series of primary neuroscience research articles	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 10	Alzheimer’s disease	Lecture (1 hr)
	Frontotemporal dementia	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dry Lab: Neuropathology of neurodegenerative diseases	Practical (2 hr)
	NEUR3905 Journal club: read, present and discuss a series of primary neuroscience research articles	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 11	Motor neuron disease	Lecture (1 hr)
	Parkinson's disease	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dry Lab: Clinical diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases	Practical (2 hr)
	NEUR3905 Journal club: read, present and discuss a series of primary neuroscience research articles	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 12	Neuroregenerative strategies for neurodegenerative diseases 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Neuroregenerative strategies for neurodegenerative diseases 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	NEUR3905 Journal club: read, present and discuss a series of primary neuroscience research articles	Seminar (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: This unit consists of 2 x 1 hr lectures per week, 1 lab per week, and a weekly 1 hr journal club starting in week 4. The neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration module tests in weeks 4 and 12 will be held in the Lab time scheduled for those weeks.

Attendance at the Dry & Wet Labs and the 9 journal club sessions is compulsory, and a requirement to successfully complete the UoS. No replacement labs will be offered if you are unable to attend due to sickness, however you will be able to access lab teaching materials on Canvas.

Before attending any practical class, students must complete the Obligations Module and score 100% in the accompanying quiz. The aim of this module is to ensure that you are aware of the procedures for this subject including expectations, governance and ethical requirements for working in human anatomy laboratories.

The University of Sydney Coursework Policy 2021 states:
68 (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 state:
9 (4) Unless otherwise stated, students are expected to attend at least 80% of timetabled activities as defined in the unit of study outline.

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.

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. 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

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.

Some common suggestions for this unit in 2025 were around timing of labs and opportunities to review areas of confusion. In response to this we have moved labs to Wednesdays to ensure all students can catch up with lecture content before attending, and we have added review sessions to the timetable in Week 13.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Wet Labs: Students must adhere to WHS requirements for working in anatomy laboratories. These are outlined in the compulsory Obligations Module provided for this subject.

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

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

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

NEUR3905: Neuroscience across the Lifespan (Advanced)

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

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