BNS3041

Brain development and memory

(MED)

Dr Pauleen Bennett

6 points + First semester + Clayton + Four 1-hour lectures and One 2-hour practical class or equivalent per week + Prerequisites: BMS1052 or equivalent by permission + Prohibitions: PSY3102

Synopsis: This unit examines the cellular, biochemical, genetic and environmental factors that influence the development of the brain and how these factors ultimately affect human behaviour. Emphasis will be placed on how perturbations of brain development can lead to abnormal behaviour and the ethical dilemmas raised for society by the heritability of behaviour. The last part of the unit examines the biochemical and cellular bases of human memory, and the biological factors that influence memory consolidation and retrieval. Attention will be drawn to the similarity of the processes that underpin memory and the developmental plasticity of the brain.

Assessment: Mid-semester examination (short answer and/or MCQ, 1.5 hour): 30% + End of semester examination (short answer and/or MCQ, 2 hour): 40% + Participation in a class debate: 10% + Written report (1000 words): 20%