This course will provide an advanced level of understanding of current concepts in cellular, molecular and systems neuroscience. The course involves online lectures, provided reading material and self-directed study, with assessments including online quizzes, annotated bibliographies, journal club presentations and written review articles. Students will be expected to engage in significant self-directed learning and background research of original neuroscience literature, and become familiar with the broad range of techniques used in neuroscience.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate a broad understanding of a wide range of neuroscience topics.
- Analyse and critically evaluate scientific literature across a diverse subsection of neuroscience areas.
- Demonstrate an advanced conceptual understanding of the current knowledge and techniques of cellular, molecular and systems neuroscience.
- Apply knowledge to evaluate a specific current research field, synthesise existing literature in that field and suggest new and innovative future directions of research in the area.
- Systematically evaluate relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions.
- Communicate and justify complex concepts, results and findings clearly and effectively to a high standard.
Indicative Assessment
- Online quizzes (10) [LO 1]
- Annotated bibliographies (30) [LO 2,3]
- Literature review (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Short review (news and views) article (20) [LO 1,3,4,5,6]
- Journal club presentation (10) [LO 3,4,5,6]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Approximately 130 hours of total student learning time made up of independent student research, reading and writing. Students are expected to maintain regular contact with the course convener(s). Expected work-load is a minimum of 10 hrs/week.
Attendance at weekly Neuroscience divisional seminars and journal clubs is strongly encouraged.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the John Curtin School of Medical Research to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
There are no specific reading materials required
Preliminary Reading
Nature Neuroscience, Journal of Neuroscience, Journal of NeurophysiologyAssumed Knowledge
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2690 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7682 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |