The course provides state-of-the-art knowledge on the cellular mechanisms used by neurons in the brain for communication with itself and our bodies.This involves the role of different classes of ion channels in electrical and chemical transmission, the integration of signals in single neurons and across networks, as well as how changes in transmission between neurons may underlie learning and memory. During the course there will be examples of how this basic knowledge leads to insights into disease states such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. In the final 4 weeks of the course students will spend time in laboratories in the John Curtin School of Medical Research to gain experience on how neuroscience research is done today. In addition, there will be a short library-based research project.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have an understanding of:

1. the cellular mechanisms used by the brain for communication
2. the cellular mechanisms that underlie disease states in the brain
3. the way information is stored in the brain
4. how research is carried out in neuroscience laboratories

Assessment will be based on:

• Lab reports, lab visit report, and critique of a scientific paper (~40%; LO 1-4)
• Final exam (~60%; LO1-3)

Three lectures per week, 4 two-hour laboratory sessions and 2 lab visits, plus a library project involving critiquing a scientific paper

BIOL2174, or a combination of PSYC2007 and 12 units of first year PSYC or BIOL units

BIOL3001

Kandel ER, Schwartz JH, Jessell TM (2000)  Principles of Neural Science, 4th ed. McGraw-Hill, New York. ISBN 0-8385-7701-6