BMS1052 - Human neurobiology - 2018

6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit



Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

School of Biomedical Sciences

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Julia Choate


Dr Nicholas Price

Unit guides



  • Second semester 2018 (On-campus)


Must be enrolled in one of the following:

  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science (including double degree programs)
  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Scholar Program)
  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science Advanced with Honours




This unit consists of an introduction to human nervous system which ranges in scope from the operations of individual nerve cells at the molecular level to the generation of complex cognitive behaviours. The unit will provide students with an essential overview of the human nervous system and it will also serve as a foundation for more specialised studies in neurobiology or cognitive science.



  1. Describe the fundamental concepts of nervous system organisation and communication;
  2. Have gained some insight into how the brain enables us to sense our environment and to move, feel, think and communicate with others;
  3. Describe how the human brain and behaviour evolved;
  4. Explain how behaviour can be influenced by genetic makeup, environmental and social factors and drugs; and
  5. Acquire some basic skills in obtaining, interpreting and presenting scientific data.


  • Theory examination (60%) (20% in semester assessment, 40% end of semester (3 hours)) (Hurdle)
  • Practical work (4 worksheets and quizzes) (40%) (Hurdle)


This unit applies to the following area(s) of study