Students
MEDI2300 – Nervous System
2022 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convener
Cara Hildreth
Unit Convener
Marco Morsch
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
40cp at 1000 level or above including HLTH108 or ANAT1001
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit will provide you with an introductory understanding of the nervous system. This unit integrates both anatomy and physiology allowing you to learn about how the nervous system is organised and communicates information with a particular focus on the production of movement, processing of sensory information, regulation of homeostatic function and the basics of learning and memory. You will also be introduced to drug classes that positively and negatively affect the functioning of the nervous system and the clinical consequences that arise from pathological changes to the nervous system. Key learning activities will include lectures, tutorial and practical sessions. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Describe the general organisation of the nervous system and how communication occurs within the nervous system.
- ULO2: Identify the brain structures critical for movement, sensation, homeostatic function, and learning and memory.
- ULO3: Discuss how the nervous system produces movement, processes sensory information, regulates homeostatic function and consolidates learning and memory.
- ULO4: Outline the mechanism of action of specific drug classes that affect the functioning of the nervous system.
- ULO5: Identify how common pathological conditions affect neural control of movement, sensation, homeostatic function and/or learning and memory.
General Assessment Information
Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy, available at https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment.
All final grades are determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy, and are not the sole responsibility of the Unit Convenor.
Students will be awarded a final grade and a mark which must correspond to the grade descriptors specified in the Assessment Procedure (clause 128).
To pass this unit, students must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements including professionalism and achieve a final mark of 50 or better.
Further details for each assessment task will be available on iLearn.
Student Professionalism
In the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses. As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including tutorials.
Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of all small group interactive sessions offered within this unit. If you are unable to attend a small group activity, please refer to the iLearn site regarding what further action should be taken.
Similarly, as part of developing professionalism, students are expected to complete all assessment tasks on or by the specified date. If you are unable to complete an assessment task on or by the specified date, you may be eligible for special consideration. Such applications must be supported by appropriate evidence and submitted via www.ask.mq.edu.au. For further details please refer to the Special Consideration Policy available at https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz | 15% | No | Weeks 2-12 |
| Learning Resource | 15% | No | Weeks 2-12 |
| Anatomy Test | 20% | No | Week 12 |
| Final Exam | 50% | No | University Examination Period |
Quiz
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: Weeks 2-12
Weighting: 15%
Weekly, low-stakes, open-book quiz covering learning material for the week and prepares students for in-class activities. Top six test results count towards final mark.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Describe the general organisation of the nervous system and how communication occurs within the nervous system.
- Identify the brain structures critical for movement, sensation, homeostatic function, and learning and memory.
- Discuss how the nervous system produces movement, processes sensory information, regulates homeostatic function and consolidates learning and memory.
- Outline the mechanism of action of specific drug classes that affect the functioning of the nervous system.
- Identify how common pathological conditions affect neural control of movement, sensation, homeostatic function and/or learning and memory.
Learning Resource
Assessment Type 1: Creative work
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: Weeks 2-12
Weighting: 15%
A two-part assessment where students (1) create a collection of learning resources that are made available to their peers to assist with their learning and (2) engage with the learning resources created by their peers.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Describe the general organisation of the nervous system and how communication occurs within the nervous system.
- Identify the brain structures critical for movement, sensation, homeostatic function, and learning and memory.
- Discuss how the nervous system produces movement, processes sensory information, regulates homeostatic function and consolidates learning and memory.
- Outline the mechanism of action of specific drug classes that affect the functioning of the nervous system.
- Identify how common pathological conditions affect neural control of movement, sensation, homeostatic function and/or learning and memory.
Anatomy Test
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 20%
On-campus test assessing material covered in and related to anatomy practical sessions.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Describe the general organisation of the nervous system and how communication occurs within the nervous system.
- Identify the brain structures critical for movement, sensation, homeostatic function, and learning and memory.
- Discuss how the nervous system produces movement, processes sensory information, regulates homeostatic function and consolidates learning and memory.
Final Exam
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 50%
On-campus formal exam assessing content delivered across the session taken during the University examination period.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Describe the general organisation of the nervous system and how communication occurs within the nervous system.
- Identify the brain structures critical for movement, sensation, homeostatic function, and learning and memory.
- Discuss how the nervous system produces movement, processes sensory information, regulates homeostatic function and consolidates learning and memory.
- Outline the mechanism of action of specific drug classes that affect the functioning of the nervous system.
- Identify how common pathological conditions affect neural control of movement, sensation, homeostatic function and/or learning and memory.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
In MEDI2300, you will engage in a range of online and/or face-to-face learning activities, including lectures, tutorials and practicals. Details can be found on the MEDI2300 iLearn site.
Unit Schedule
| Week | Lecture Topic | Scheduled Learning Activity | Assessment Task |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | Tutorial | None |
| 2 | Organisation of the Nervous System | Online Lecture, Tutorial | Weekly Quiz, Learning Resource Submission |
| 3 | Cells of the Nervous System | Online Lecture, Tutorial | Weekly Quiz, Learning Resource Submission |
| 4 | Membrane Potential | Online Lecture, Tutorial | Weekly Quiz, Learning Resource Submission |
| 5 | Action Potential | Online Lecture, Tutorial | Weekly Quiz, Learning Resource Submission |
| 6 | Neurotransmission | Online Lecture, Tutorial | Weekly Quiz, Learning Resource Submission |
| 7 | Special Senses I | Online Lecture, Tutorial, Practical | Weekly Quiz, Learning Resource Submission |
| 8 | Special Senses II | Online Lecture, Tutorial | Weekly Quiz, Learning Resource Submission |
| 9 | Somatosensation | Online Lecture, Tutorial, Practical | Weekly Quiz, Learning Resource Submission |
| 10 | Movement | Online Lecture, Tutorial, Practical | Weekly Quiz, Learning Resource Submission |
| 11 | Homeostasis | Online Lecture, Tutorial | Weekly Quiz, Learning Resource Submission |
| 12 | Learning and Memory | Online Lecture, Tutorial | Weekly Quiz, Learning Resource Submission, Practical Test |
| 13 | Revision | Online |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
The Writing Centre
The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
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.
Unit information based on version 2022.03 of the Handbook