Developmental Neurobiology

Subject 516-306 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 lectures (three 1-hour lectures per week)
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: Anatomy 516-201 plus 516-209.BBiomedSc students: 521-213 and 536-250.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

A/Prof P Whitington
Subject Overview:

On completion of this subject, students should:

  • appreciate the major processes involved in the development of the nervous system, including neural induction, neural patterning, neural and glial cell proliferation, determination of neural fate, neuronal migration, axon guidance, regulation of neuron survival and synaptogenesis;

  • have gained some insights into the cellular and molecular basis of those processes and understand how disorders in developmental processes can lead to neural defects;

  • be aware of the regenerative ability of the nervous system and the prospects for therapeutic treatment of neural injury and disease;

  • be familiar with outstanding questions currently being addressed in research in neural development; and

  • be familiar with modern experimental approaches used to investigate the development of the nervous system and appreciate their strengths and limitations.

Assessment: A 45-minute written class test during the semester (15%); a 2000-word essay due during the semester (20%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (65%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:
  • Principles of Neural Science (Kandel, Schwartz and Jessell), 4th ed
  • Development of the Nervous System (B Sanes et al), 2nd ed, 2006
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

This subject will help students develop the following generic skills:

  • critical analysis of scientific research papers;

  • literature searching skills;

  • capacity for independent critical thought, rational enquiry and self-directed learning;

  • ability to plan work and use time effectively; and

  • ability to sythesise apparently disparate types of knowledge.
Notes:

Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 BSc), BASc or a combined BSc course will receive science credit for the completion of this subject.

This subject is likely to be quota-restricted this year.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Bachelor of Science

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