Biomedical neurosciences
Dr Ramesh Rajan
8 points * Three 1-hour lectures, one 1-hour advanced lecture/correlation session and 5 hours practical per week * First semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: BIO1011 and one of BIO1022 or BIO1032 or permission of head of department * Prohibition: PHY2011
Objectives On completion of this subject the student will have a basic knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of nerve and muscle; understand how reflex action occurs, and the spinal and brain pathways involved in sensation and movement; appreciate the ways sound, light and chemicals in the environment are detected and transmitted to the central nervous system; understand the control of involuntary bodily function by the autonomic nervous system; be familiar with the laboratory techniques central to the study of physiology; have developed an appreciation of the basis and clinical manifestations of dysfunction of these various systems.
Synopsis This subject, taken in conjunction with PHY2062 (Biomedical systems physiology) in second semester, is designed for BSc(Biomedical) students who either intend to proceed to third-year physiology or who wish to study physiology in second year only, as well as for suitably qualified BSc students. Biomedical neurosciences is designed to provide knowledge and understanding of the properties of excitable cells, and the form and function of the peripheral and central nervous systems. The subject starts with a consideration of cellular function including the resting membrane potential and action potential of excitable cells, neuromuscular transmission and the mechanism of muscle contraction. This leads on to the peripheral and central nervous systems including synaptic transmission, sensory and motor pathways, reflexes, sensory physiology and the autonomic nervous system. In correlation classes emphasis will be placed on the clinical aspects of these systems/topics.
Assessment Mid-semester multiple choice test: 10% * Written exam on laboratory sessions: 30% * Assessment of laboratory reports: 5% * Written exam on theoretical material: 55%
Recommended texts
Berne and Levy Principles of physiology 2nd edn, Mosby, 1996
Kandel and Schwartz Principles of neural science 2nd edn, Elsevier, 1985
| Published by Monash University, Clayton, Victoria
3168 Copyright © Monash University 1996 - All Rights Reserved - Caution Authorised by the Academic Registrar December 1996 |