Neurophysiology: Neurons and Circuits (NEUR30002)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Subject Coordinators
Prof Andrew Allen
a.allen@unimelb.edu.au
Dr Angeline Fong
angelina.fong@unimelb.edu.au
Administrative Coordinator
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
The subject aims to provide students with an overview of how neurons function, individually and in ensembles, to produce complex behaviours. We consider how the special properties of nerve cells enable information to be encoded and transmitted.
We will explore how nerve cells communicate with other nerves and cells. Finally we will explore how these properties lead to activity patterns that change the function of other tissues in response to physiological challenges, thus contributing to homeostasis.
Intended learning outcomes
- To appreciate how protein-mediated passage of ions across the nerve cell membrane generates electrical activity.
- To develop an understanding of how these electrical impulses are generated and integrated by the neuron to encode information.
- To understand how nerve cells use different chemicals to communicate with neurons and other cells (e.g. muscles).
- To examine how the connections between nerve cells leads to simple circuits that mediate reflexes and homeostatic control.
Generic skills
On completion the students should have developed their skills in:
- Independent and critical thought.
- Approaches to understanding complex scientific problems.
- Critical analysis and interpretation of data.
- The extraction of principles from experimental evidence.
- Discipline specific communication.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
This subject assumes a working understanding of the principles involved in the generation and conduction of action potentials in excitable cells.
Students wishing to take this subject without this background knowledge are advised to consult with the subject convenor prior to the commencement of the semester.
Although there are no specific 200 level prerequisites for this subject it is recommended that students should have completed at least one of the following 200 level subjects:
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOM20002 | Human Structure and Function | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
| ZOOL20006 | Comparative Animal Physiology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| PHYS20008 | Human Physiology |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| PSYC20006 | Biological Psychology | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Assessment
Additional details
- 2 x mid-semester assessments (25% each)
- 1 x two hour end of semester exam (50%)
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Angelina Fong Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x one hour lectures per week (total contact hours: 36) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Subject Coordinators
Prof Andrew Allen
a.allen@unimelb.edu.auDr Angeline Fong
angelina.fong@unimelb.edu.auAdministrative Coordinator
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Neuroscience Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Major Neuroscience Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Major Human Structure and Function Major Physiology Major Physiology Major Human Structure and Function - Breadth options
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 20 March 2025