PHY3012 Integrative neuroscience
Faculty of Science
PHY3012 Integrative neuroscience is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2025 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before PHY3012
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After PHY3012
1 unit list PHY3012 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
The major focus of this unit relates to neuronal plasticity associated with nervous system function in health and disease. Structural and functional changes in the nervous system occur throughout development, adulthood and in disease states associated with neural dysfunction and brain disorders. In this unit you will focus on specific examples of plastic changes to the nervous system; identify the mechanisms that contribute to neuronal plasticity and explore how these regulate higher brain function such as learning and memory. You will also evaluate how disruption to and dysfunction of certain neural networks contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders. You will use research projects to reinforce lecture content and to develop and refine your analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
Offerings in 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | Flexible |
Assessment
- Research projectProject60%
- Mid-Semester testQuiz / Test20%
- End of semester assessmentWrittenThreshold hurdle20%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Analyse and evaluate the fundamental mechanisms underlying neuronal communication and plasticity via synaptic and non-synaptic routes;
- 2
Evaluate and apply the knowledge of molecular, cellular and neural circuit components to how these contribute to higher brain function;
- 3
Evaluate and analyse how neural responses to brain injury and to the ageing process contribute to the pathogenesis of disease states;
- 4
Analyse information on the functional operations of different neural circuits and apply it to devise novel therapeutic approaches targeting neurological disorders.
- 5
Critically evaluate published literature from scientific databases, develop sound scientific experiments to investigate brain disorders and communicate this in a written report or in an oral or poster presentation;
- 6
Work collaboratively and cohesively as a team.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops24 hours
- Lectures24 hours
- Tutorials12 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachResearch activities
- Teaching approachCase-based teaching
Up to 12 hours per week consisting of:
- 5 hours of directed learning (2 lectures, 1 tutorial and 1 workshop) and
- 7 hours of self-directed study
Review of lecture content and application of lecture content in the research project. The theme of the 2 projects align with the theme of the lectures.
Participation in research projects rather than practical classes.
Review of lecture content and application of lecture content in the research project. The theme of the 2 projects align with the theme of the lectures.
Where it fits
PHY3012 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2025 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Siew Chai
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Farshad Alizadeh Mansouri
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PHY3012?
PHY3012 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after PHY3012?
PHY3012 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including RAD3004.
When is PHY3012 offered?
In 2025, PHY3012 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does PHY3012 have an exam?
No. PHY3012 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include PHY3012?
PHY3012 is part of Biomedical engineering and Physiology.