Monash College Handbook

HUMAN NEUROBIOLOGY (MCD7100)

Purpose

This unit introduces students to the human nervous system, its components and organisation. Students discover the basis of neural communication and integration, principles of sensory perception, initiation and control of movement, autonomic control of body function, learning and memory and higher order functions such as consciousness. In practical sessions, students observe nervous system functioning and discuss examples of dysfunction disorders.

Prerequisites

Nil

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate understanding of the organisation and structure of the human nervous system.
2. understand how nerve cells transmit information and communicate with other nerve cells and the muscles and glands of the body.
3. understand how the skeletal muscles function to allow the body to move and how the nervous system plans and executes movements.
4. understand how sensory systems act as detectors to provide information about the body and external environment and how this information is carried to the brain for interpretation.
5. understand the major cognitive functions of the brain.
6. develop an appreciation of the basis and manifestations of nervous system disorders.
7. develop skills in data collection and analyses through laboratory exercises.

Assessment

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