The course provides in-depth exposure to the cellular mechanisms utilised by neurons. Emphasis will be put on the following areas: the role of different classes of ion channels in affecting neuronal excitability, the mechanisms involved in electrical and chemical transmission, how transmitted signals are integrated by the neurons and across networks, and how different forms of synaptic plasticity may underlie learning and memory. Where appropriate insights will be provided into disease states such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, there will be a short library-based project critiquing an original research article.
This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand advanced concepts in cellular and molecular neuroscience, and describe recent advances within the field;
- Integrate principles from multiple science disciplines to understand information transfer within the brain;
- Explain some of the current neuroscience technologies and illustrate how these can be used to study cellular neuroscience;
- Apply critical thinking to understanding the mechanisms involved in specific neurological diseases;
- Obtain and analyse information and data relating to cellular neuroscience;
- Critically evaluate at a graduate level a recent publication in the field of cellular neuroscience, drawing upon the relevant published literature.
Indicative Assessment
- Laboratory reports (40) [LO 1,2,4,5]
- Critique article (15) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Final exam (45) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 3 x 1 hour lectures (total 36 hours) and 1 x 2 hour practical sessions (24 hours) throughout the semester and a commentary on a scientific paper.
- Approximately 70 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the John Curtin School of Medical Research to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Recommended texts (choice of two):
Byrne, JH & Roberts, JL (2009), From Molecules to Networks. An Introduction of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (2nd ed), Academic press, ISBN 978-0-12-374132-5.
Purves, D. et al. (2008), Neuroscience (4th ed), Sinauer Assoc. ISBN 978-0-87893-697-7.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4920 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $6540 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3453 | 22 Feb 2021 | 01 Mar 2021 | 31 Mar 2021 | 28 May 2021 | In Person | View |