Jemsweb

Here are the courses I’m doing this semester at the University of Sydney, if anyone’s interested:

ANAT2010: Concepts of Neuroanatomy
Students are introduced to the structure and organisation of the central and peripheral nervous system. The course begins with an exploration into the make-up of the individual cells, followed by an examination of the different regions of the nervous system. A final theme of the course touches on the organisation of various systems (sensory and motor), together with aspects of higher-order function (memory). In essence, the course covers general concepts of organisation, structure and function of the brain and its different areas. The practicals offer students the unique opportunity to examine specimens in the Anatomy labs and museum.

BIOL2917 Entomology (Advanced)
This is a general but comprehensive introduction to Insect Biology taught in 3 integrated modules. The first module examines morphology, classification, life histories and development, physiology, ecology, behaviour, conservation, and the biology of prominent members of major groups. The other two modules examine new developments in entomological research, focusing on research strengths at the University of Sydney, the biology of social insects and insect behaviour.

MBLG2972 Molecular Biology and Genetics B (Advanced)
This unit of study shows how modern molecular biology is being applied to the study of the genetics of all life forms from bacteria through to complex multicellular organisms including plants, animals and humans. Lecture topics include classical Mendelian genetics with an emphasis on its molecular basis, cytogenetics, bacterial genetics and evolution, molecular evolution, bioinformatics and genomics, developmental genetics and the techniques and applications of molecular genetics.

PCOL2012 Pharmacology: Drugs and People
This unit of study examines four important areas of Pharmacology: (1) drug action in the nervous system (2) drug discovery and development (3) pharmacotherapy of inflammation, allergy and gut disorders, and (4) drugs of recreation, dependence and addiction. The delivery of material involves lectures, practicals, computer-aided learning and problem-based workshops. Practical classes provide students with the opportunity of acquiring technical experience and teamwork. Problem-based workshops are based on real-life scenarios of drug use in the community. These workshops require students to integrate information obtained in lectures in order to provide solutions to the problems. Online quizzes accompany each module.

I start on Monday! Hurrah!

I have FINALLY decided what units I am going to do this semester. Not a moment too soon as the semester starts on Monday! I have already got special permission to enrol in 2 senior (3rd year) units and am just waiting on the official stamp of approval for my degree transfer, from Bachelor of Medical Science to Bachelor of Science.

The great thing about this plan is that I don’t need to decide yet what my second major will be (Neuroscience is the first). I can investigate a bit more and then decide before 2nd semester whether it will be Immunology, Cell Pathology or Biology/Genetics.

For those of you who give a stuff, here are the units I’m doing. If you don’t give a stuff, it’s quite understandable!

PCOL2011 – Pharmacology Fundamentals
This unit of study examines four basic areas in Pharmacology: (1) principles of drug action (2) pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism (3) autonomic and endocrine pharmacology, and (4) drug design. The delivery of material involves lectures, practicals, computer-aided learning and problem-based workshops. Practical classes provide students with the opportunity of acquiring technical experience and teamwork skills. Problem-based workshops are based on real-life scenarios of drug use in the community. These workshops require students to integrate information obtained in lectures in order to provide solutions to the problems.

IMMU2101 – Introductory Immunology
This unit of study will provide an overview of the human immune system and essential features of immune responses. The lecture course begins with a study of immunology as a basic research science. This includes the nature of the cells and molecules that recognise antigens and how these cells respond at the cellular and molecular levels. Practical/tutorial sessions will illustrate particular concepts introduced in the lecture program. Further lectures and self-directed learning sessions will integrate this fundamental information into studies of mechanisms of host defence against infection, transplantation as well as dysfunction of the immune system including allergy, immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases and cancer.

NEUR3001 – Neuroscience: Special Senses
The aim of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system and to the main concepts of processing of sensory information. Understanding basic sensory transduction mechanisms and the function of the sensory systems is necessary to understand how perceptual processes work in normal and disease conditions and provides a gateway to unravel the complexity of the mind. Basic aspects of low and high level sensory processing in all sense modalities will be covered, with a special emphasis in the auditory and visual systems. The relationship between sensory systems, perception and higher cognitive functions will be addressed.

NEUR3002 – Neuroscience: Motor Systems & Behaviour
The aim of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system. Our current knowledge of how the brain works is based on the analysis of the normal structure of the nervous system and its pathways, the functional effects of lesions and neurological diseases in different parts of the nervous system, and the way that nerve cells work at the molecular, cellular and integrative level. This course focuses on to the neural circuits and the mechanisms that control somatic and autonomic motor systems, motivated behaviours, emotions, and other higher order functions. The lecture series addresses the different topics, each of which offers special insight into the function of the nervous system in health and disease.

Now I am just crossing my fingers that the vestibular migraines stay far far away. I’ve got an MRI on Saturday just to rule out any kind of cerebrovascular malformation so they can put me on migraine medication if the migraines come back. I hate MRIs! Luckily my nice neurologist is prescribing me Valium this time. Maybe it’ll even be fun!