Students

PSYN8845 – Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychopharmacology

2024 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Heather Francis
Contact via heather.francis@mq.edu.au
AHH 3.517
By appointment
Lecturer
Jennifer Cornish
Contact via jennifer.cornish@mq.edu.au
Jennifer Cornish
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MClinNeuro
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit provides an overview of the basic principles of neuropharmacology and explore the human brain, with particular emphasis on the disorders seen in the clinical practice of neuropsychologists and clinical psychologists. It begins with a review of basic principles of neuropharmacology and then covers the major neurotransmitter systems and how they are disordered in brain injury and psychological disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and the anxiety disorders. The unit examines development of the nervous system and the anatomy of the mature nervous system (the brain stem and associated structures, diencephalon, and telencephalon; blood supply; white matter pathways; ventricles; and meninges). By the end of the unit students are expected to identify, describe the role of structures of the brain and understand the implications of damage to structures of the brain for neuropsychological practice.

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: Demonstrate knowledge of the neuroscience and pharmacology of common mental disorders (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar)
  • ULO2: Describe the meaning of key terms used in neuropsychopharmacology and neuroanatomy (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar)
  • ULO3: Show that you are competent in interpreting and assessing brain structures (including cortical and subcortical structures and blood vessels) on images and neuroimaging, and explain what is known about their role in producing behaviour (Capability 2: Psychologist Practitioner)
  • ULO4: Explain the anatomical basis of the disorders commonly seen in clinical practice and uncommon disorders (Capability 2: Psychologist Practitioner)
  • ULO5: Critically evaluate the relevance and accuracy of neuroscience data in order to formulate evidence based arguments (Capability 2: Psychologist Practitioner)

General Assessment Information

Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.

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, you must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better.

Further details for each assessment task will be available on iLearn.

Late Submissions

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (OF THE TOTAL POSSIBLE MARK) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern. 

 For example:

Number of days (hours) late

Total Possible Marks

Deduction

Raw mark

Final mark

1 day (1-24 hours)

100

5

75

70

2 days (24-48 hours)

100

10

75

65

3 days (48-72 hours)

100

15

75

60

7 days (144-168 hours)

100

35

75

40

>7 days (>168 hours)

100

-

75

0

 

For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Neuropsychopharmacology essay 30% No 28/04/2024
Final examination 40% No 28/05/2024
In class test 30% No 19/03/2024

Neuropsychopharmacology essay

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 28/04/2024
Weighting: 30%

 

Students submit a 1500 word essay on a contemporary neuroscience and psychopharmacology topic.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the neuroscience and pharmacology of common mental disorders (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar)
  • Describe the meaning of key terms used in neuropsychopharmacology and neuroanatomy (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar)
  • Show that you are competent in interpreting and assessing brain structures (including cortical and subcortical structures and blood vessels) on images and neuroimaging, and explain what is known about their role in producing behaviour (Capability 2: Psychologist Practitioner)
  • Critically evaluate the relevance and accuracy of neuroscience data in order to formulate evidence based arguments (Capability 2: Psychologist Practitioner)

Final examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 28/05/2024
Weighting: 40%

 

In this one hour exam students will be required to label photographs of brain structures and answer short answer questions.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe the meaning of key terms used in neuropsychopharmacology and neuroanatomy (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar)
  • Show that you are competent in interpreting and assessing brain structures (including cortical and subcortical structures and blood vessels) on images and neuroimaging, and explain what is known about their role in producing behaviour (Capability 2: Psychologist Practitioner)
  • Explain the anatomical basis of the disorders commonly seen in clinical practice and uncommon disorders (Capability 2: Psychologist Practitioner)
  • Critically evaluate the relevance and accuracy of neuroscience data in order to formulate evidence based arguments (Capability 2: Psychologist Practitioner)

In class test

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 41 hours
Due: 19/03/2024
Weighting: 30%

 

Forty multiple choice questions in 1 hour

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the neuroscience and pharmacology of common mental disorders (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar)
  • Describe the meaning of key terms used in neuropsychopharmacology and neuroanatomy (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar)

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

Lectures and practicals will be held from 9am-12pm on Tuesdays. Face-to-face lectures and the lab practical are an essential part of PSYN8845. All students are therefore required to come to campus to participate in these sessions and complete the associated in-class assessment tasks. If you are unable to attend a lecture or the lab session in person due to unavoidable reasons (quarantine, illness, etc.), you should apply for Special Consideration through AskMQ. Reasonable adjustments will be made for students with approved special consideration.

Recommended readings

Blumenfeld Neuroanatomy through clinical cases, 3rd Edition (2022) 

Practical content

A practical neuroanatomy session will be held on 21st May. 

The lab is a secure area. Worksheets will be provided. It will be helpful to bring something like a clipboard as there are no desks. There are lockers for personal possessions as they cannot be taken into the lab area.

Bring a lab coat if you have one. Disposable gowns and gloves will be provided.

Please wear fully enclosed shoes which cover the dorsal part of the foot (no ballet flats, flip-flops/thongs) and tie long hair back. No photographs or other recording devices are allowed. Follow the  instructions of ASAM staff if you are directed in matters of lab safety, protocol or other matters.   

No eating or drinking (including chewing gum) is permitted in the lab.

Respect for the dead is expected at all times.

Unit Schedule

Week

Date

Topic

Lecturer

1

20th February

Review of basic physiology & pharmacology

Prof Jennifer Cornish

2

27th February

Substance Abuse, Schizophrenia Prof Jennifer Cornish

3

5th March

Anxiety, Affective Disorders Prof Jennifer Cornish

4

12th March

ADHD, Autism Prof Jennifer Cornish

5

19th March

In-class examination (on week 1-4 inclusive)

 

6

26th March

Neuroplasticity, Alzheimer’s Disease

Prof Jennifer Cornish

7

2nd April

History of neuroanatomy/neuropsychology, General organisation of the brain, Neuroimaging 

A/Prof Heather Francis

8

9th April

Protection for the brain, Brainstem structures and function, the Cranial Nerves

A/Prof Heather Francis

9

30th April

Subcortical brain regions

A/Prof Heather Francis

10

7th May

The Cortex

A/Prof Heather Francis

11

14th May

Blood supply to the brain, Development of the CNS

A/Prof Heather Francis

12

21st May

Practical

Dr Jessica Madden

13

28th May

In-class examination (on week 6-12 inclusive)

 

 

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:

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 connect.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.

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:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, 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.

Inclusion and Diversity

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field. The University has made significant moves to promote an equitable, diverse and exciting campus community for the benefit of staff and students. It is your responsibility to contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice in the areas of learning and teaching, research, and service orientation and delivery. As a member of the Macquarie University community, you must not discriminate against or harass others based on their sex, gender, race, marital status, carers' responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, age, political conviction or religious belief. All staff and students are expected to display appropriate behaviour that is conducive to a healthy learning environment for everyone.

Professionalism

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human 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 clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning (e.g., PACE placements), and team-based learning activities. Some learning activities are recorded (e.g., face-to-face lectures), however you are encouraged to avoid relying upon such material as they do not recreate the whole learning experience and technical issues can and do occur. As an adult learner, we respect your decision to choose how you engage with your learning, but we would remind you that the learning opportunities we create for you have been done so to enable your success, and that by not engaging you may impact your ability to successfully complete this unit. We equally expect that you show respect for the academic staff who have worked hard to develop meaningful activities and prioritise your learning by communicating with them in advance if you are unable to attend a small group interactive session.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers. It is the right of every student to learn in an environment that is free of disruption and distraction. Please arrive to all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join activity as quietly as possible to minimise disruption. Phones and other electronic devices that produce noise and other distractions must be turned off prior to entering class. Where your own device (e.g., laptop) is being used for class-related activities, you are asked to close down all other applications to avoid distraction to you and others. Please treat your fellow students with the utmost respect. If you are uncomfortable participating in any specific activity, please let the relevant academic know.


Unit information based on version 2024.02 of the Handbook