LQB571 Neuroscience

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

Neuroscience is the study of the structure and function of the nervous system and has the ultimate aim of understanding the neural basis of normal behaviour as well as the changes that are responsible for the debilitating consequences of nervous system disorders. In this unit you will explore a number of contemporary neuroscience topics including functional brain imaging, neural repair and regeneration, neuronal stem cells, memory and neurological disorders. This unit will utilise human cadaveric prosections and tissue obtained from euthanased animals. This unit is positioned in the advanced phase of the course and builds on knowledge of the physiology of the nervous system in Medical Physiology 1 (LQB388) and regional and imaging anatomy of the nervous system gained in Anatomical Imaging (LQB482).This unit will provide a strong foundation for entry into neurobiology research or clinical fields.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Describe the structural and functional organisation of the human nervous system and be able to apply this information to relevant neurological cases and neuroscience research projects.
2. Use complex reasoning and practical interpretation skills to analyse and communicate neuroscience topics.
3. Discuss and critique current research and clinical topics in neuroscience relevant to biomedical sciences.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit uses a blended approach to learning and teaching. You will be exposed to a variety of learning situations including online resources, workshops and practical sessions. This unit will provide an environment that will be focused on the acqusition and application of anatomical terminology of the organisation of the human nervous system and its function as well as current research topics in neuroscience. Materials available in practical sessions will include microscopic preparations in the form of photomicrographs and using computer assisted programs, human skulls, anatomical models, fresh animal and human specimens from the QUT pathology museum and QUT body donor program (Medical Engineering Research Facility) and neurophysiology instruments.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Weekly feedback on practical performance will be monitored through a checklist system of skill competency and formative quizzes.

Assessment

Overview

To enable you to determine if you are meeting the unit learning outcomes, regular assessment will be undertaken during the weekly practical sessions or by studying the current neuroscience literature. This assessment will provide a mechanism for you to regularly evaluate your understanding of the subject matter presented in the unit.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Case Study

This assessment will assess your depth of understanding of function and structure of different brain regions in association with injuries to the head.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Laboratory/practical report

You will design and conduct an experiment in neuroscience and report the findings in the style of a research paper.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Examination (written)

Demonstrate specialised knowledge in neuroscience topics and the ability to apply this knowledge to interpret patient case studies and research findings.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

Practicals will require personal protective equipment supplied by each student:

1. Laboratory Gown - Rear fastening 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix
2. Safety eye protection glasses - selected and used in accordance with Australian Safety Standards
3. Fully enclosed non-slip shoes

Costs

Cost of lab gowns and safety protection glasses are the students responsibility.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

1. Purves D. Neuroscience. 6th edition: Sinauer Associates; 2018.
2. Johns P. Clinical Neuroscience. 1st edition: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier; 2014.

Risk Assessment Statement

This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You are required to view a Health & Safety Induction video and complete an online health and safety quiz prior to being permitted into the laboratory, to access please follow this link Health & Safety Induction. A passing score of 10/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory session. You may repeat the quiz until this score is achieved. You are also referred to the Faculty of Health's Health & Safety Web Site for further information.

This unit includes a laboratory component that involves the observation and handling of human donor material, including skeletal material, prosected regional anatomical specimens, and/or potted pathology specimens. Viewing and handling human donor material in this unit is voluntary; should you have any personal objections or cultural sensitivities to undertaking this activity you may choose not to participate in laboratory demonstrations that incorporate this material.

You will be required to review a series of online induction resources and material specific to this unit including the General Gardens Point Laboratory Practice and Cadaver Preparedness online resources, and successfully complete an online quiz associated with each of these inductions, before being allowed access to the laboratory. You are required to adhere to the safety requirements outlined in this material, and exhibit professional and ethical conduct at all times when accessing human donor material. Check your Canvas site for information on how to access the induction and quizzes, and complete the student declaration of compliance.

If you have an underlying health condition or have any concerns in viewing and/or handling human donor material you are encouraged to consult the unit coordinator, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions or be offered alternative learning experiences.

Course Learning Outcomes

LS40 Bachelor of Biomedical Science

1. Critically review, analyse and synthesise foundational knowledge in a broad range of biomedical discipline areas and in depth theoretical, technical and practical knowledge in specialised discipline areas.
   Relates to: Case Study, Examination (written)
2. Demonstrate the technical skills required to solve multi-disciplinary problems in biomedical research, industry and clinical settings and do so in an ethical, safe and responsible manner.
   Relates to: Case Study, Laboratory/practical report
3. Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
   Relates to: Case Study, Laboratory/practical report, Examination (written)
4. Apply knowledge and skills to rapidly source, critically analyse and communicate biomedical science information using appropriate technologies.
   Relates to: Case Study, Laboratory/practical report