2006 Handbooks

This unit is designed to give the student a basic knowledge of central neuronal mechanisms underlying fundamental behaviours and how these behaviours are modified through experience (learning). The first half of the course describes the cytoarchitecture of central and peripheral neurons, the physiological and ionic bases of axonal and synaptic transmission, the overall anatomical organisation of the mammalian brain, and sensory processing. The structure and function of visual and auditory systems in mammals are emphasised as classic examples of sensory coding and processing by the central nervous system. These topics are followed by discussion of the central mechanisms underlying mammalian behaviours, such as sleep, motivation, and psychopathology. The latter half of the course will provide a basic understanding of diverse phenomena in learning and behaviour, including neuronal mechanisms of associative and non-associative learning, spatial learning, and comparative cognition in a variety of animal species.

Evening students will be able to obtain tapes of the lectures from the Centre for Open Education, but must attend the practicals/tutorials.