PHYSIOL 3104 - Cellular & Systems Neurobiology

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2024

Cellular & Systems Neurobiology encompasses the study of the central and peripheral nervous system. We explore neuroscience from the level of ion channels, receptors and cell signalling, through to system level topics of sensory perception, homeostasis, higher cognition, learning and memory. Research case studies from the primary literature introduce cutting edge concepts and methods, whilst also developing critical evaluation skills. In-class review sessions are provided to assist with revising key material. Conceptual knowledge is assessed with four block exams throughout the semester and on-line tutorials.

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Course Details

Course Code	PHYSIOL 3104
Course	Cellular & Systems Neurobiology
Coordinating Unit	Medical Sciences
Term	Semester 1
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 4 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y
Prerequisites	PHYSIOL 2510
Incompatible	PHYSIOL 3001
Assumed Knowledge	PHYSIOL 2520
Assessment	MCQ and short answer questions (summative, one for each of four blocks of lectures); online tutorials (formative) with quizzes (summative).

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Steven Wiederman

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

see the Course Planner for details

Course Learning Outcomes

1	Demonstrate an understanding of foundational concepts of neurophysiology from the molecular to the systems levels.
2	Demonstrate an understanding of the signalling processes involved in modulating neurophysiological functions for higher cognitive function and adaptation.
3	Explain the major theories and supporting evidence for quantitative principles of neurobiology.
4	Read and interpret case studies based on primary literature.
5	Solve quantitative problems based on knowledge of first principles in neurobiology.
6	Demonstrate an understanding the pathophysiological basis of nervous system diseases and the relevance of neuroscience research to ethics, environment, and health care.
7	Acquire, read, interpret and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner
8	Work in groups and individually in the pursuit of scientific knowledge
9	Be conversant in a broad range of investigative methods and scientific applications, including the selection, implementation, ethical use, and limitations of the experimental techniques in physiology, neuroscience and related fields of research.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.	1-3
Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.	4-7
Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.	7-9
Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.	3-9
Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.	8
Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.	.
Attribute 7: Digital capabilities Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.	.
Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.	7-9

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Few additional resources are needed to complete this course.

Recommended Resources

Course reading will focus on review articles and published scientific papers, posted on the course Canvas website. There is no required
textbook.

ONLINE RESOURCES (free) recommended in the course include:

Neuroscience, edited by D Purves et al., NCBI
Bookshelf http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10799/

Nernst Goldman Equation simulator, S Wright, University of Arizona
http://www.nernstgoldman.physiology.arizona.edu/

Topics in Biology, Khan Academy
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology

Open University, iTunes
http://www.open.edu/itunes/subjects

Online Learning

This course will use canvas as a major component. All lecture notes, tutorial activities and lecture recordings will be posted on Canvas. Announcements and weekly student update emails will be sent via the site. The quizzes at the end of each module will be administered online via canvas. Theory will be presented in lectures and assigned published scientific papers, and supported by in-class review sessions (‘lectorials’). On-line tutorials will revise concepts and allow development of problem solving skills.
Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

Blended learning will take place in this course. Large group lecture sessions will vary. Some sessions will be lectures, others will be question and answer sessions and case study (journal club) scenarios. Students will be divided into small groups to undertake problem-solving tasks in these sessions and within the tutorial groups. Some lectures will be pre-recorded and utlilise the flipped classroom approach.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

Workload- Structured learning
Lectures: 42 x 1hr = 42 hours
Exams in class: 3 x 1.5hrs = 4.5 hours

Assessment Tasks (semester)
3 mid-semester exams at 20% each: Total hours = 36
1 final exam (not cumulative) at 20%: Total hours = 12

Non-contact hours (semester)
Weekly reading & other study (h/lecture): Total hours = 50.4

SUM TOTAL HOURS PER SEMESTER: 157

Learning Activities Summary

WEEK     LECTURE TOPIC
1            Development of the central nervous system
2            Neurotransmission and the cellular basis of memory and learning
3            Introduction to sensory systems
4            Olfaction and gustation
5            Visual system
6            Hearing and balance; clinical translation
7            Overview of the peripheral nervous system
8            Neural crest development, and neural control of homeostasis
9            Neural control of smooth muscle and organ function; genetic tools
10          Overview of ion channels
11          Principles of electrical signalling
12          Synaptic signalling and information processing in the nervous system

Specific Course Requirements

Prerequisite:
Physiol 2510 Physiology IIA: Heart, Lung & Neuromuscular Systems

Assumed knowledge:
PHYSIOL 2520 Physiology IIB: Systems & Homeostasis

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Task Type	Weighting	Learning Outcome
Mid-term examinations (in class)	Summative	3 x 20% each = 60%
Final examination (not cumulative)	Summative	1 x 20%
Formative online problem sets	Formative	4 x 0% each
Online tutorials	Summative	4 x 4% each = 16%
Guest lectures	Summative	2 x 2% each = 4%

Examinations are MCQ tests (summative, one for each of the four blocks of lectures). Online tutorials are provided to allow revision of main concepts (formative), and paired with online quizzes (summative). Guest lectures require sudents to submit a question (for each lecture) in class after the lecture.

This course will use MyUni as a major component. All lecture notes, tutorial activities and lecture recordings will be posted on MyUni. Announcements and weekly student update emails will be sent via the site. The quizzes at the end of each module will be administered online via MyUni. Theory will be presented in lectures and assigned published scientific papers, and supported by in-class review sessions (‘lectorials’). On-line tutorials will revise concepts and allow development of problem solving skills.

Assessment Detail

No information currently available.

Submission

No information currently available.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

SELTS for the course and for the instructors will be run annually.
Student Support
Open office hours with lecturers are scheduled in timetabled slots throughout the semester.
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator