Corequisite majors: Biochemistry or Cell & Molecular Biology or Human Biology or Psychology
Physiology is a key science underpinning health and disease: it is the study of functional life processes at all levels of biological organisation from the cellular and molecular to tissues and organs. The study of the most complex of these organs: the brain and nervous system occurs in the interdisciplinary field of neuroscience. This single organ controls body activities ranging from movement, to circulation and respiration, and to emotion, learning, and memory. The scientific study of physiology and neuroscience requires the skills of many different disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering. The specialisation in Neuroscience and Physiology exposes students to the fields of cellular and systems neuroscience and physiology through a variety of courses. Introductory courses discuss fundamental physiological processes in both health and disease. Areas of study can include human physiology, cellular physiology, and cellular biochemistry. The cellular and system neuroscience courses build on and expand from the physiology courses to investigate the complexity of the nervous system. The specialisation is designed to provide knowledge and conceptual understanding in neuroscience and physiology. Students will gain theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience with modern techniques, and will have the opportunity to work in research labs, be involved in scientific discussions with current researchers and will develop their ability to critically evaluate and communicate recent advances within these disciplines.
Learning Outcomes
Build on a foundational knowledge and key concepts of cellular and systems neuroscience and physiology to further their professional and research pursuits.
Integrate approaches from various science disciplines to formulate a more global understanding of complex neuroscience and physiology phenomena.
Apply practical skills and theoretical understanding to the methodological approaches that underpin neuroscience and physiology.
Evaluate and critically analyse primary scientific literature to extend their knowledge in the field.
Combine their information literacy, oral and written communication skills to convey/explain neuroscience and physiological concepts to both science and non-science literate audiences
Other Information
In conjunction with Psychology major: PSYC2007 Biological Basis of Behaviour is required to meet all pre-requisite requirements for the Neuroscience and Physiology Specialisation.
While a background in Biology or Chemistry is not required for the pathway through the Psychology major, students are encouraged to consider first year Biology or Chemistry courses where possible.
For students taking BIOL3208 as part of this specialisation, the research project must be in the field of neuroscience or physiology.
Students should seek further course advice from the academic convener of this specialisation.
Back to the topRequirements
This specialisation may only be undertaken in conjunction with one of the following majors:
Biochemistry
Cell and Molecular Biology
Human Biology
Psychology
This specialisation requires the completion of 24 units, which must include:
6 units from the completion of the following course:
BIOL2174 - Cell Physiology in Health and Disease (6 units)
A minimum of 12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
MEDN2001 - Medical Physiology and Pharmacology (6 units)
NEUR3101 - Cellular Neuroscience (6 units)
NEUR3112 - Systems Neuroscience (6 units)
A maximum of 6 units from the completion of a course from the following list:
MEDN3186 - Human Anatomy (6 units)
BIOL3208 - Biology Research Project (6 units)
BIOL3203 - Advanced Microscopy in Biosciences (6 units)
PSYC3016 - Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience (6 units)
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