LQB571 Neuroscience
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | LQB571 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | (LQB388 and LQB488) or (LQB382 and LQB482) |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,968 |
| International unit fee | $6,216 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | LQB571 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (LQB388 and LQB488) or (LQB382 and LQB482) |
| Coordinator: | Fatemeh Chehrehasa | fatemeh.chehrehasa@qut.edu.au |
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:
- Interpret the structural changes and damage in the brain, and analyze the resulting functional deficits in relation to neurological cases and advanced neuroscience research projects.
- Employ complex reasoning and practical interpretation skills to critically analyze and effectively communicate complex neuroscience topics.
- Discuss and critique current research and clinical topics in neuroscience relevant to biomedical sciences.
- Develop advanced scientific writing and digital skills to produce clear, concise, and well-structured research papers and reports.
- Demonstrate practical skills in neuroscience through identification of brain structures and their functions related to diseases.
Content
The content in this unit includes:
- Functional neuroanatomy of the nervous system.
- Cellular neuroscience and their roles in both health and disease.
- Advanced Neuroscience Topics: Including neural plasticity, neurogenesis, nervous system repair, current neuroscience research projects.
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, tutorials and practical sessions. This unit will provide an environment that will be focused on the 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 slides and 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).
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Throughout the semester you will be provided with feedback on your learning by participating in formative assessment items and discussing them with the teaching staff and your peers. Immediate feedback on your own progress can be obtained by completing the self-directed learning activities available to you on Canvas, where available. Written feedback on summative assessment items will be provided and you should use this feedback to identify areas you might need to focus your learning. General comments on each assessment item will also be provided in-class.
Assessment
Overview
To enable you to determine if you are meeting the unit learning outcomes, regular assessment will be undertaken throughout the semester based on application of theoretical and practical neuroscience content.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Case Study 1
This case study involves the analysis of structural brain images to interpret injury and associated functional deficits. The student, acting as a clinician, will evaluate the provided brain images, identify the areas of damage, and discuss the potential functional outcomes. The findings will be presented in the style of a journal article.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions
Assessment: Practical exam
Demonstrate specialized practical skills and applied knowledge in neuroscience topics including problem-solving, structural identification and laboratory techniques. As a neuroscientist, you will apply this knowledge to identify key structures of the brain using human donor brain, photomicrographs to understand functional deficits in relation to neurological diseases.
Assessment: Poster
This case study involves the analysis of brain cellular changes in response to clinical cases. Acting as a neuroscientist, you will analyze the cellular changes in different brain regions, create a digital poster of the key findings, present it at a Case Conference.
Only the digital poster is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
Practicals will require personal protective equipment supplied by each student:
- Laboratory Gown - Rear fastening 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix
- Safety eye protection glasses - selected and used in accordance with Australian Safety Standards
- 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 brain and spinal cord specimens, and/or potted pathology specimens. 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
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.LS40 Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- 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 1, Practical exam - 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 1, Poster - Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
Relates to: Case Study 1, Practical exam, Poster - Apply knowledge and skills to rapidly source, critically analyse and communicate biomedical science information using appropriate technologies.
Relates to: Case Study 1, Poster
LV41 Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- 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 1, Practical exam - 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 1, Poster - Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
Relates to: Case Study 1, Practical exam, Poster - Apply knowledge and skills to rapidly source, critically analyse and communicate biomedical science information using appropriate technologies.
Relates to: Case Study 1, Poster