Developmental Neurobiology (DEVB3001)

Course overview

This course addresses basic principles of brain development critical for understanding brain function in modern medicine. Fundamental mechanisms such as neural specification, neural stem cell biology, neurogenesis, gliogenesis, neural migration, axon growth and guidance, synaptogenesis, plasticity, and cell death, are discussed in relation to contemporary issues such as the zika virus, autism, genetic diseases, cancer, plasticity and regeneration. This course is an essential part of any student's toolkit for understanding brain function in health and disease.

The adult human brain contains approximately 1011 neurons which make an estimated 1014 synaptic connections. How is such an astonishing structure generated? What are the fundamental processes responsible for the establishment of the complex architecture of the human brain? The answers to these profound questions lie not in the adult animal but in the developing embryo. The normal function of the human brain is dependent on its initial build during embryogenesis and fetal development. Minor perturbations during these sensitive periods of growth and development can have catastrophic downstream effects that influence lifetime function. The brain continues to remain a highly plastic tissue throughout life and epigenetic events act on and influence neural function at synaptic, whole cell and system levels.ﾠ

This course is taught by an outstanding cohort of Australia’s leading developmental neurobiologists, many of whom hold joint positions in QBI and SBMS.

Course requirements

Assumed background

An understanding of the general principles of cell biology and molecular biology are assumed. ﾠWhat you really need is enthusiasm and we will provide the rest. This course is enjoyed by students from a wide range of backgrounds, including those from non-science backgrounds.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

BIOL2200

Recommended prerequisites

We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:

DEVB2000

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Aims and outcomes

Aim 1: To appreciate and understand the major questions facing the field of developmental neurobiology, especially in relation to biomedical science. A major focus will be on the experimental approaches and strategies used by researchers to address these questions. In particular, this course aims to provide insights into the value of employing vertebrate and invertebrate animal models as discovery tools to investigate the fundamental principles of brain development.

Aim 2: One of the key attributes that UQ likes its students to develop is "critical thinking". Development of critical thinking skills is especially important when training students to enter science-orientated professions. This is why the intrasemester assessment is based on two assignments designed to develop critical analysis skills. These assignments will teach you to think scientifically. You will learn to understand, evaluate and appraise a set of scientific facts, to make inferences (synthesize new ideas) and then to construct an argument based on these facts to support your inferences. You will also learn how to frame and test scientific hypotheses.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment details

Online Quiz 1 AT HOME - via Blackboard

• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Quiz

Weight

12% (assesses weeks 1-3)

Due date

14/08/2025 - 18/08/2025

Due at 1PM on 18/08/25

Other conditions

Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L04, L05, L06, L07

Task description

Submission guidelines

We recommend that you do not use the Blackboard Phone App nor a wireless network connection when completing this Blackboard assessment. Both are unstable and could affect your ability to complete your Blackboard assessment, by for example:

• you may lose connectivity and lose the work you have completed;
• your submission could indicate you have completed your assessment task, but nothing has been delivered into BlackBoard.

Please ensure that you only use a reliable internet connection.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

A request for an extension must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.

Requests for extension received more than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.

Late submission

No late submissions permitted.

Online Quiz 2 AT HOME - via Blackboard

• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Quiz

Weight

12% (assesses weeks 4-6)

Due date

4/09/2025 - 8/09/2025

Due at 1PM on 8/09/25

Other conditions

Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L04, L05, L06, L07

Task description

Submission guidelines

We recommend that you do not use the Blackboard Phone App nor a wireless network connection when completing this Blackboard assessment. Both are unstable and could affect your ability to complete your Blackboard assessment, by for example:

• you may lose connectivity and lose the work you have completed;
• your submission could indicate you have completed your assessment task, but nothing has been delivered into BlackBoard.

Please ensure that you only use a reliable internet connection.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

A request for an extension must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.

Requests for extension received more than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.

Late submission

No late submissions permitted.

Online Quiz 3 on CAMPUS - via Blackboard

• Identity Verified
• In-person
• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Quiz

Weight

31% (assesses teaching weeks 7-12)

Due date

22/10/2025

30 minute duration during lecture time within above timeframe

Other conditions

Secure.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L04, L05, L06, L07

Task description

Submission guidelines

You MUST bring your own laptop to the lecture theatre to complete the QUIZ.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

A request for an extension must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.

Requests for extension received more than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.

Late submission

No late submissions permitted.

Module I Critical Thinking Exercise

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

12% (covers weeks 2-5)

Due date

29/08/2025 - 19/09/2025

Due at 1PM on 19/09/25

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08

Task description

Submission guidelines

You must submit your Assessment task, with the electronic coversheet available on the School's website (under Undergraduate - Assessment), to Turnitin by the submission deadline. You may submit drafts to Turnitin up to the due date, but you will only be able to submit once on or after the due date. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

A request for an extension must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.

Requests for extension received more than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.

If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified penalty listed under Late Submission will be applied to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties uploading your submission, please email a copy of your assessment to sbms@enquire.uq.edu.au so this can be logged on your behalf before the due date.

Module II Criticial Thinking Exercise

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

15% (covers weeks 6-8)

Due date

19/09/2025 - 10/10/2025

Due at 1PM on 10/10/25

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08

Task description

Submission guidelines

You must submit your Assessment task, with the electronic coversheet available on the School's website (under Undergraduate - Assessment), to Turnitin by the submission deadline. You may submit drafts to Turnitin up to the due date, but you will only be able to submit once on or after the due date. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

A request for an extension must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.

Requests for extension received more than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.

If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified penalty listed under Late Submission will be applied to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties uploading your submission, please email a copy of your assessment to sbms@enquire.uq.edu.au so this can be logged on your behalf before the due date. 

Module III Criticial Thinking Exercise

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

18% (covers teaching weeks 9-10)

Due date

10/10/2025 - 31/10/2025

Due at 1PM on 31/10/25

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08

Task description

Submission guidelines

You must submit your Assessment task, with the electronic coversheet available on the School's website (under Undergraduate - Assessment), to Turnitin by the submission deadline. You may submit drafts to Turnitin up to the due date, but you will only be able to submit once on or after the due date. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

A request for an extension must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.

Requests for extension received more than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.

If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified penalty listed under Late Submission will be applied to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties uploading your submission, please email a copy of your assessment to sbms@enquire.uq.edu.au so this can be logged on your behalf before the due date. 

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

No assessment items are compulsory. A mark of zero will be recorded if an assessment item is not submitted. Penalties apply for late submission unless there is an approved extension date.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

The supplementary assessment may be in the form of an exam (written or oral), a written submission or another assessment as determined by the Course Coordinator. It may be made up of multiple components and will allow students to meet any outstanding Learning Outcomes. The final grade awarded will be based on the results of the supplementary assessment only and a passing grade will be awarded only if a student passes the supplementary assessment.

Additional assessment information

Refer to the SBMS Assessment Guidelines for School specific assessment information.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Lectures will be based on primary research articles and reviews of the current scientific literature. Lecturers will outline these in their lectures. No text book will be assigned.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

• Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Examinations Procedure
• Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

School guidelines

Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:

• SBMS Assessment Guidelines