Developmental and Molecular Neuroscience
Overview
This unit will focus on the development of the nervous system with a particular emphasis on molecular signalling pathways that lead to both the structural organization of the brain as well as synapse development and synaptic pruning. Understanding the molecular mechanisms will then form the basis of a discussion in understanding neurodevelopmental disorders. Students who complete this unit will have a detailed understanding of brain development, including cellular processes such as regulation of gene transcription and translation, and the molecular signalling involved in maintain a healthy brain over a lifetime.
Requisites
NEU20006 Neurophysiology
Rules
Pre-requisite
MBP20011 Clinical Practicum 1 - Neuro
OR
NEU20006 Neurophysiology
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Describe the molecular signalling pathways that result in neurogenesis and brain development
- Identify and assess the molecular processes involved in the cellular organization of the brain during development, and apply this understanding to the broader context of molecular signalling in the nervous system throughout life
- Describe the molecular signalling involved in synaptogenesis and explain how these signalling cascades regulated gene expression and lead to lifelong memory formation
- Integrate the understanding for typical neural development to understand how dysregulation of the developmental systems leads to neurodevelopmental disorders
- Apply knowledge of molecular signalling processes to explain how these processes are involved throughout life to maintain a healthy brain
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online Lecture | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Online Lecture | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus Class | 1.00 | 10 weeks | 10 |
| Specified Activities Various | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 6.67 | 12 weeks | 80 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Study | Individual | 30% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Final-Semester Test | Individual | 40% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Online Quizzes | Individual | 30% | 1,2,3,4 |
Content
- Neurogenesis - including concept of stem cell origin, regulation of gene transcription, and anatomical specificity in development
- Regulation of axon guidance and cell migration during embryogenesis
- Extracellular and intracellular signalling and signal transduction leading to alteration of gene transcription, cell migration, growth
- Cell-to-cell communication in patterning and the of development of non-neuronal cell populations in the CNS
- LTP and LTD in synaptic remodelling and the implications for learning, memory, and neurodegenerative disease
- Synaptic pruning and regulation of apoptosis during development
- Genetic dysregulation in brain development, and the impact this has on developmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases
- Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Information literacy
- Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Technical literacy
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.