Course overview
This course aims to introduce students to essential concepts in the field of neurophysiology. Students will undertake a detailed study of neurotransmission - the cellular basis of neural communication. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the detection, processing and perception of sensory information from the skin, musculoskeletal system, viscera, and special sense organs. Particular emphasis will be placed on sensation of actual or potential tissue damage, and how this sensory information is detected, processed, and perceived as pain. Students will also apply understanding of neurotransmission to study and explain the mechanism of action of drugs designed to alter neurotransmission and to explore the implications of this for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disease.
- Neural communication and role of glia
- From sensation to perception
- Neural control of body and behaviour
Course learning outcomes
- Explain membrane properties of neurons, glia, and neurotransmission at chemical synapses
- Apply foundational neurophysiology knowledge to explain and analyse how sensory information is detected in skeletal muscle, skin, joints, bone, and viscera, and in the special senses of vision, hearing, gustation, and olfaction
- Explain and analyse how non-harmful and harmful patterns of information are transmitted, processed, integrated, and acted upon by the body
- Describe and analyse how the autonomic nervous system controls organs and organ systems for maintenance of homeostasis
- Discuss the effect of certain types of drugs on neurotransmission at chemical synapses in the central and autonomic nervous system
Availability
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Class number 53296
Section WS01
Size 48
Available 48
Class number 53295
Section WS02
Size 48
Available 48
Class number 58873
Section WS03
Size 40
Available 40
Class number 58872
Section WS04
Size 40
Available 40
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.