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Auditory Neuroscience (NEUR30007)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 2
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The subject is structured to build upon students’ understanding of the basic principles behind the development and function of the nervous system, developed in the prerequisite neuroscience subject/s. It will extend upon students’ understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the peripheral and central auditory systems, including aspects of balance function, speech production and development of the inner ear. Following these core lectures, students’ will be exposed to the applications of this knowledge to addressing pathologies of the auditory system, including relevant lectures from international leaders in cochlear implant research, emerging gene- and cell-based therapies, drug delivery platforms, auditory cortical plasticity and artificial hearing and voice.

Intended learning outcomes

At the end of this subject students should be able to:

  • describe the key anatomical features of the outer, middle and inner ear (including vestibular system), and the central auditory and vestibular pathways, which contribute to sound/balance processing by the brain
  • explain the physiological properties of the outer and inner ear and the central auditory and vestibular pathways that underpin the senses of hearing and balance
  • to describe the development of the inner ear
  • apply the anatomy and physiology of the auditory and vestibular systems to describe the key objective measures for auditory and vestibular function in humans
  • apply fundamental auditory anatomy and physiology to describe the basis for emerging areas of research, including gene and stem-cell therapies, drug delivery, cortical plasticity and cochlear implants (including artificial hearing and voice).

Generic skills

  • an ability to evaluate and synthesise information in a flexible manner
  • an ability to apply core anatomical and physiological knowledge to understand auditory pathology (including emerging strategies to treat it)

Last updated: 8 November 2024