PHY2011 · Neuroscience of communication, sensory and control systems

Overview

This unit studies how the cells in our body communicate to each other, using fast and slow response systems, and how our bodies use these systems to gain information about the world through our senses and then respond using the muscle systems of our limbs and internal organs and the hormone systems. This material is taught through four successive themes that progressively build up the discipline knowledge and broader organisation, communication and management skills of science. Themes 1 and 2 (Foundations) explain cell structure and nerve organisation and function. Theme 3 (Communication systems) develops that knowledge base to study fast and slow inter-cell communication systems. Theme 4 (Sensory systems) shows how the systems of touch, pain, hearing, vision, taste and smell detect the world and how the brain analyses that information. Theme 5 (Control and response systems) details how the body responds through movement of limbs and the action of internal organs, and hormone systems. Normal physiology and common dysfunctions of the systems are studied, to allow for a greater understanding of the normal physiology, and an appreciation of dysfunctions.

Areas of study: Pharmacology Physiology

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Identify the structures of the nervous, sensory, muscular and endocrine systems;
2. Explain how physiological systems function to detect, communicate, analyse and respond to stimuli under normal conditions;
3. Apply knowledge of these physiological systems to determine how they respond to changes in physiological states under normal activity (e.g., exercise) or environmental demands (e.g., living in cold condition;
4. Predict how perturbations to physiological systems, such as diseases and normal ageing, effect their functioning;
5. Accurately perform common biomedical calculations used in research;
6. Collect, analyse, and interpret experimental data while considering variability inherent in working with biological tissue.

Workload

6 hours of directed /self directed learning (lectures, workshops, pre- and post-class activities and practical's) per week.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.