Neurophysiology: Neurons and Circuits (NEUR30002)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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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

On completion of this subject students will be able to:

  • 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: 14 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 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (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: 14 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

2 x mid-semester assessments (25% each)

Mid semester50%

1 x exam

  • 2 hours
End of semester50%

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorAngelina Fong
    CoordinatorSong Yao
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours3 x one hour lectures per week (total contact hours: 36)
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023
    Last self-enrol date10 March 2023
    Census date31 March 2023
    Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023
    Assessment period ends23 June 2023

    Semester 1 contact information

    Subject Coordinators

    Dr Angelina Fong
    Dr Song Yao
    NEUR-30002@unimelb.edu.au

    Administrative Coordination
    BiomedSci-AcademicServices@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 14 March 2025