Concepts and Discoveries in Neuroscience (NEUR20001)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 2
Subject Coordinators:
Dr Song Yao
A/Prof Charles Sevigny
charles.sevigny@unimelb.edu.au
Administrative Coordination
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
The subject will provide students with a general introduction to the study of the nervous system. It will allow students to gain an understanding of brain and nerve structure, the cellular elements that make up the nervous system and how these work together to receive, process and transmit information.
Students will learn about human neuroanatomy and take an in-depth look the different types of nerve cells and how they communicate. Students will explore how the firing properties of nerve cells can change and how this influences the function of other tissues to elicit different physiological functions to maintain homeostasis. This subject will provide foundational knowledge for those wishing to develop a greater understanding of neuroscience and related fields.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Interpret and explain the fundamental principles of neuroscience and their connections to core concepts in the biological sciences.
- Identify, define, and communicate a key or emerging principle of our understanding of neuroscience to a broad audience with a focus on the importance of these principles to our species and society.
- Appreciate and effectively articulate not only what we currently know about neuroscience, but also how that knowledge is acquired, and how we continue to learn more through scientific methodologies and principles of scientific enquiry.
- Synthesise and apply information from multiple sources to further understanding of neuroscientific principles.
- Consolidate a diversity of approaches and viewpoints from other students to synthesise cohesive communication.
Generic skills
- Critical thinking
- Critical analysis and interpretation of data
- Appreciation of the scientific method and empirical evidence
- Teamwork and group problem-solving
- Communicating to both scientific and lay audiences
Last updated: 25 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
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: 25 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Weekly workshop reports (11 reports in total but only top 10 reports will count towards final mark)
| From Week 2 to Week 12 | 50% |
3-minute group video project (self-selected groups of 3-6 students)
| Week 12 | 20% |
Final exam
| During the examination period | 30% |
Last updated: 25 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Song Yao Coordinator Charles Sevigny Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2x1 hour online asynchronous lectures per week; 1x2 hour in-person workshop per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
Subject Coordinators:
Dr Song Yao
A/Prof Charles Sevigny
charles.sevigny@unimelb.edu.au
Administrative Coordination
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: 25 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Bachelor of Biomedicine Course Bachelor of Science - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- 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: 25 March 2025