Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Students will be trained in neuroanatomy with a focus on structure-function relationships. Using brain specimens, brain images from various neuroimaging techniques, a computer simulation program, and case studies, students will become familiar with brain systems that have an integral role in cognition, as well as more generally with neuroanatomy. In addition to brain structures, students will learn about the blood supply to the brain and the ventricular system. Knowledge about brain structure and function will be linked to clinical practice using lectures and/or hands-on activities that will include the clinical neurological examination, neurogenetics, and neuroimaging techniques.

Objectives

The aim of this unit is to familiarise students with the human brain and neural systems that implement cognitive functions.

At the completion of this unit, students will:

1. Be familiar with the gross external anatomy of the brain as well as major subcortical regions, including being able to name and identify each major region and describe its main contribution to behavioural and cognitive regulation;
2. Acquire familiarity with the nerve fibre systems which allow communication between different brain regions;
3. Be able to identify the major blood vessels in the brain and describe how infarction of each vessel may affect the person's cognitive state;
4. Develop familiarity with the principles underlying major neuroimaging techniques and their applications as relevant to clinical neuropsychology; and
5. Develop familiarity with major neural circuits that have been linked specifically to cognition and neuropsychiatric syndromes.

Assessment

Weekly assessments (80%) and final assessment (20%).

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Russell Conduit