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

Prerequisites
MBP20011 Clinical Practicum 1
NEU20006 Neurophysiology

Rules

Pre-requisite

MBP20011 Clinical Practicum 1 - Neuro
OR
NEU20006 Neurophysiology

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
29-July-2024
27-October-2024
Last self-enrolment date
11-August-2024
Census date
31-August-2024
Last withdraw without fail date
13-September-2024
Results released date
03-December-2024
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
04-August-2025
02-November-2025
Last self-enrolment date
17-August-2025
Census date
31-August-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
19-September-2025
Results released date
09-December-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
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Case StudyIndividual 30% 1,2,3,4,5 
Final-Semester TestIndividual 40% 1,2,3,4,5 
Online QuizzesIndividual 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.