Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convener & Lecturer
A/Prof. Nathan Hart
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Credit points |
Credit points
3
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
6cp(P) from BBE100 or BIOL108 or BIOL114 or BIOL115 or BIOL116 or BIOL122 or HLTH108 or HLTH109 or PSY104 or PSY105 or PSYC104 or PSYC105
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit considers the function of nerves and hormones in the regulation of body functions. We begin with a discussion on how the selective permeability of the cell membrane gives rise to the electrical properties of cells, in particular nerve and muscle cells. The function and organisation of nerves into central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as specialised nerves and organs giving rise to the sensory system, is investigated in detail before we examine their role in homeostasis and muscle control. We then cover the neuroendocrine system, which is the link between the central nervous system and the endocrine system, before looking at the function of the main groups of hormones and their interrelationship with the immune system.
This unit is designed to serve science, medical science and chiropractic students and is also of interest to students studying psychology with an emphasis on physiology. |
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Name | Weighting | Due |
---|---|---|
Weekly online quizzes | 15% | Weeks 1-12 |
Mini-test | 10% | Week 3 |
Essay | 10% | Week 7 |
Mid-semester test | 15% | Week 10 |
Final exam | 50% | TBA |
Due: Weeks 1-12
Weighting: 15%
From Week 1 → 12, every student will need to complete the weekly online quizzes that are based on the topic(s) covered in that week's lectures. Collectively, these quizzes are worth 15% of your final mark.
Due: Week 3
Weighting: 10%
This short (<1hr) test will be given during your normal laboratory class time in Week 3 (internal students). The questions will be on the first 4 lectures and the tutorials conducted in Week 2.
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 10%
Each student will be required to submit a 1,000 word Essay on a topic selected from a list provided on iLearn. The Essay should describe and discuss the selected neurophysiological system as it relates to normal function and/or disease.
Due: Week 10
Weighting: 15%
This longer (<1.5hr) test will be given during your normal laboratory class time in Week 10 (internal students). The questions will be on lecture topics and laboratory practicals/tutorials covered in weeks 1-9.
Due: TBA
Weighting: 50%
The final exam (2 hours) will consist of 40 multiple choice questions and 6 short answer questions. The short answer questions will be split across two sections that relate to material covered in the first and second halves of the Unit, respectively. Students will need to select 3 out of the 4 short answer questions offered in each section. All lecture and practical/tutorial material is examinable.
Delivery Mode
This Unit will be delivered through:
Practical/tutorial classes - attendance requirements
Class times and locations
Lectures
Practical/tutorial classes
Important dates
Required and recommended resources
Required text:
Other recommended resources:
Unit website
All lecture material, laboratory manuals and other essential Unit information will be posted on iLearn (http://ilearn.mq.edu.au).
iLearn should be checked regularly for any updates.
Week |
Lecture (Wednesday) |
Lab session (Thursday/Friday) |
1 |
Cell physiology I Cell physiology II |
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2 |
Cell physiology III Electrical signalling |
Lab induction Tutorial: Resting membrane potential |
3 |
Synapses I Synapses II |
Lab-based mini-test Tutorial: Action potentials and nerve conduction |
4 |
Principles of sensory physiology Special senses I |
No lab session (Easter Friday) |
5 |
Central Nervous System I Central Nervous System II |
Practical: PhysioEx Exercise 3 - Neurophysiology of nerve impulses |
6 |
Special senses II Special senses III |
Practical: Brain anatomy |
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Mid-semester break 11 – 22 April |
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7 |
Somatosensory system I Somatosensory system II |
Practical: Special senses Essay Due |
8 |
Muscle structure I Muscle structure II |
Practical: Somatosensation |
9 |
Muscle physiology I Muscle physiology II |
Tutorial: Muscle Physiology Practical: PhysioEx Exercise 2 - Skeletal muscle physiology |
10 |
Muscle control I Muscle control II |
Mid-semester test |
11 |
Autonomic nervous system I Autonomic nervous system II |
Practical: Reflexes & motor control case studies |
12 |
Neuroendocrine system I Neuroendocrine system II |
Tutorial: Autonomic nervous system and case studies |
13 |
Catch-up/review lecture(s) |
Review/revision |
TBA |
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Final exam |
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
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