Developmental Neurobiology (NEUR30005)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
The human brain is, arguably, the most complex structure on earth. This subject examines how a simple sheet of cells in the early embryo is fashioned into a functioning brain -. You will learn how cells within the primordial nervous system are assigned different fates, how neural stem cells are stimulated to divide to produce the billions of cells that comprise the nervous system and how these cells differentiate into mature neurons. The subject will examine how neural circuits are established as newly-born neurons send out axons,making functional synaptic connections with specific target cells.
Intended learning outcomes
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.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed:
- The ability to critically analyse scientific research papers.
- The ability to carry out literature searches.
- A capacity for independent critical thought, rational enquiry and self-directed learning.
- The ability to plan work and use time effectively.
- The ability to synthesise apparently disparate types of knowledge.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEDB30002 | Concepts in Cell & Developmental Biology | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| NEUR30003 | Principles of Neuroscience | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
(516-209 Introductory Neuroscience is an alternative prerequisite to NEUR30003)
OR
(For BBiomedicine students only)
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOM20001 | Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
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: 9 April 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
A written class test
| Mid semester | 15% |
an essay
| Late in the teaching period | 20% |
a written examination.
| During the examination period | 65% |
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Jenny Gunnersen Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 hours per week x 12 weeks Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 22 July 2024 to 20 October 2024 Last self-enrol date 2 August 2024 Census date 2 September 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 20 September 2024 Assessment period ends 15 November 2024 Semester 2 contact information
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: 9 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Human Structure and Function Major Human Structure and Function Major Neuroscience Major Neuroscience Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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: 9 April 2025