Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Biomedical Sciences School
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
School enquiries
The SBMS Student and Academic Administration Team is located on Level 1 of the Sir William Macgregor Building (64-130).
Course staff
Lecturer
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 developed 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.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
describe the fundamental principles of developmental neurobiology
LO2.
critically evaluate how aberrant developmental processes lead to the abnormal function of the adult brain as in schizophrenia and other behavioural syndromes, neurodegenerative disease, neural tube defects, etc
LO3.
critically analyse the relationship between developmental mechanisms and the regeneration, repair, and plasticity of the nervous system
LO4.
describe the molecular and cell biological mechanisms underlying brain development in invertebrate and vertebrate animal models, and critically analyse how this knowledge relates to, and informs, our understanding of the developing mammalian brain
LO5.
evaluate the biological significance of recent experimental data in the literature in relation to the existing knowledge base
LO6.
apply an understanding of these principles to critically analyse experimental data
LO7.
frame and critique a scientific hypothesis
LO8.
apply written communication skills appropriate to the field of developmental neurobiology
Assessment
Assessment summary
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Quiz |
Online Quiz 1 AT HOME - via Blackboard
|
12% (assesses weeks 1-3) |
9/08/2024 - 12/08/2024
due at 1PM on 12/08/24 |
Quiz |
Online Quiz 2 AT HOME - via Blackboard
|
12% (assesses weeks 4-6) |
30/08/2024 - 2/09/2024
due at 1PM on 2/09/24 |
Quiz |
Online Quiz 3 on CAMPUS - via Blackboard
|
31% (assesses teaching weeks 7-12) |
16/10/2024
30 minute duration during lecture time within above timeframe |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Module I Critical Thinking Exercise
|
12% (covers weeks 2-5) |
23/08/2024 - 13/09/2024
due at 1PM on 13/09/24 |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Module II Criticial Thinking Exercise
|
15% (covers weeks 6-8) |
13/09/2024 - 4/10/2024
due at 1PM on 4/10/24 |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Module III Criticial Thinking Exercise
|
18% (covers teaching weeks 9-10) |
4/10/2024 - 25/10/2024
due at 1PM on 25/10/24 |
Assessment details
Online Quiz 1 AT HOME - via Blackboard
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 12% (assesses weeks 1-3)
- Due date
9/08/2024 - 12/08/2024
due at 1PM on 12/08/24
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Online MCQ Quiz. 15 minutes (15 questions) assesses weeks 1-3. Further assessment details will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension 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
No late submission permitted.
Online Quiz 2 AT HOME - via Blackboard
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 12% (assesses weeks 4-6)
- Due date
30/08/2024 - 2/09/2024
due at 1PM on 2/09/24
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Online MCQ Quiz. 15 minutes (15 questions). Further assessment details will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension 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
No late submission 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
16/10/2024
30 minute duration during lecture time within above timeframe
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
In class supervised Online MCQ Quiz held during the lecture. 30 minutes. 30 questions. Assesses teaching weeks 7-12. Further assessment details will be provided on Blackboard during the semester. You must bring your UQ student ID card to the quiz.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct .
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 defer this exam.
Late submission
No late submission permitted.
Module I Critical Thinking Exercise
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 12% (covers weeks 2-5)
- Due date
23/08/2024 - 13/09/2024
due at 1PM on 13/09/24
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
You will be given a choice of a problem set from the lecture content.
There will be a limited number of students per topic. Sign-up will be available through Blackboard. Students will be allocated topics on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Students are required to analyse a data set or solve a problem:
- read and analyse the results of a set of experiments
- search the scientific literature and become familiar with experiments that are related to the results provided
- interpret and discuss the data
Upon submission of the exercise, you should check in the Turnitin Assignment Inbox page that your report was submitted successfully. Further assessment details will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension 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
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 15% (covers weeks 6-8)
- Due date
13/09/2024 - 4/10/2024
due at 1PM on 4/10/24
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
You will be given a choice of a problem set from the lecture content.
There will be a limited number of students per topic. Sign-up will be available through Blackboard. Students will be allocated topics on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Students are required to analyse a data set or solve a problem:
- read and analyse the results of a set of experiments
- search the scientific literature and become familiar with experiments that are related to the results provided
- interpret and discuss the data
Upon submission of the Critical Thinking Exercise II, you should check in the Turnitin Assignment Inbox page that your report was submitted successfully. Further assessment details will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension 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
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 18% (covers teaching weeks 9-10)
- Due date
4/10/2024 - 25/10/2024
due at 1PM on 25/10/24
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
You will be given a choice of a problem set from the lecture content.
There will be a limited number of students per topic. Sign-up will be available through Blackboard. Students will be allocated topics on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Students are required to analyse a data set or solve a problem:
- read and analyse the results of a set of experiments
- search the scientific literature and become familiar with experiments that are related to the results provided
- interpret and discuss the data
Upon submission of the Critical Thinking Exercise II, you should check in the Turnitin Assignment Inbox page that your report was submitted successfully. Further assessment details will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension 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.
Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
---|---|---|
1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 0% - 29% |
2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 30% - 44% |
3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 45% - 49% |
4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 50% - 64% |
5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 65% - 74% |
6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 75% - 84% |
7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 85% - 100% |
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.
Additional assessment information
Other: School of Biomedical Sciences Assessment Guidelines
- Assessment due dates and times listed are Brisbane local (AEST) time.
- All assessment results will be available via the Blackboard site (learn.uq.edu.au) via My Grades.
Information on applying for an assessment extension can be found on the Applying for an extension website.
Information on applying for a deferred exam can be found on the Deferring an exam website.
Information on supplementary exam can be found on my.UQ.
Information on assessment re-mark requests can be found on the Querying a result website.
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.
Filter activity type by
Please select
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Lecture |
Developmental principles I [B Key] |
|
Lecture |
Developmental principles II [B Key] |
|
Lecture |
Developmental principles III [B Key] |
|
Lecture |
Neural Stem Cells I [M Piper] |
|
Lecture |
Neural Stem cells II [M Piper] |
|
Lecture |
Neural Stem cells III [M Piper] |
|
Lecture |
Neural Stem cells IV [M Piper] |
|
Lecture |
Neural Stem cells V [M Piper] |
|
Lecture |
Neural Differentiation I [S Thor] |
|
Lecture |
Neural Differentiation II [S Thor] |
|
Lecture |
Neural Differentiation III [S Thor] |
|
Lecture |
Neural Patterning I [L Fenlon] |
|
Lecture |
Neural Patterning II [L Fenlon] |
|
Lecture |
Neural Patterning III [L Fenlon] |
|
Lecture |
Wiring the brain I [B Key] |
|
Lecture |
Wiring the brain II [B Key] |
|
Lecture |
Wiring the brain III [B Key] |
|
Lecture |
Wiring the brain IV [B Key] |
|
Lecture |
Wiring the brain V [B Key] |
|
Lecture |
Wiring the brain VI [B Key] |
|
Lecture |
Neurogenetics I [M Hilliard] |
|
Lecture |
Neurogenetics II [M Hilliard] |
|
Lecture |
Neurogenetics III [M Hilliard] |
|
Lecture |
Behavioural circuit formation I [B KEY] |
|
Lecture |
Behavioural circuit formation II [B KEY] |
|
Lecture |
Behavioural circuit formation III [B KEY] |
|
Lecture |
Neuronal specificity I [S Millard] |
|
Lecture |
Neuronal specificity II [S Millard] |
|
Lecture |
Neuronal specificity III [S Millard] |
|
Lecture |
Bench to clinic I [B Key] |
|
Lecture |
Bench to clinic II [B Key] |
|
Lecture |
Bench to clinic III - [B Key] |
|
Not Timetabled |
NO LECTURE revision time for Quiz 3 |
|
Not Timetabled |
NO LECTURE time to work on critical thinking exercise 3 |
|
Not Timetabled |
NO LECTURE time to work on critical thinking exercise 3 |
|
Not Timetabled |
NO LECTURE time to work on critical thinking exercise 3 |
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 - 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: