Advanced Neuroscience (Howard Florey Institute)

Unit Code

00609

Department/Institution Offering Unit

Howard Florey Institute
University of Melbourne
Parkville
Victoria 3010 Australia

web: www.hfi.unimelb.edu.au

Unit Points

Research Points: 100

Coursework Points: 0

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Contacts

Unit Coordinator/s:

Dr Colleen Thomas
Howard Florey Institute
The University of Melbourne
VIC, 3010, AUSTRALIA
Ph:+61 3 8344 1888
Fax: +61 3 9348 1707
www.hfi.unimelb.edu.au


email: colleen.thomas@florey.edu.au

Alternative Contact:

Dr Henry DeAizpurua
Howard Florey Institute
University of Melbourne
Parkville
Victoria 3010 Australia

tel: +61 3 8344 7286
fax: +61 3 9348 1707
email: h.deaizpurua@hfi.unimelb.edu.au

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Overall Objectives

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the process and practice of experimental research in biomedical science, particularly neuroscience. This will deepen understanding of biological mechanisms in a chosen research field such as neuroscience, brain or cardiovascular function and their roles in disease. The research will develop the ability to analyse experimental data and appraise the medical and scientific literature critically. The course will also develop oral and written communication skills to the levels expected of medical scientists, and encourage life-long, independent learning.

The Howard Florey Institute produces world-class research in various fields of neuroscience by specialising in a range of experimental research domains, ranging from behavioural and physiological measurements to state-of-the-art molecular and neuro-imaging techniques. The Howard Florey Institute houses several specialised research teams (www.hfi.unimelb.edu.au/). These include:

• Neurobiology
• Neurochemistry
• Brain Development
• Neuroimaging
• Cardiovascular Pharmacology
• Relaxin

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Content

Coursework: N/A

Research: The assessment of this course will be an experimental research project performed under the supervision of a research scientist in the Howard Florey Institute. Major research programs of the Institute available for AMS projects include neurobiology, neurochemistry, neuroprotection, brain imaging, cardiovascular pharmacology and the physiology of relaxin (http://www.neuroparkville.org.au/projects/).

Sample Research Topics

1. Neuroanatomical and physiological analysis of autonomic function and body fluid homeostasis
2. Targetting a new gene in experimental atherosclerosis or heart attack- making a magic bullet for heart disease?
3. Brain damage in a rat model of stroke
4. Advanced Neuroscience in Development and Disease.

There is a full list of topics here: http://www.neuroparkville.org.au/projects/

We would appreciate any interested students wanting to do a project at the HFI to:

1. Visit the Howard Florey institute website, www.florey.edu.au
2. Look for 3-4 projects that interest you and send the Unit Coordinator a list of project titles and the corresponding supervisor's names
3. The Coordinator will then contact potential supervisors to see if a) they are interested in taking on an AMS student in 2009/2010 and if so, b) when they can meet with interested students
4. The Coordinator will then contact interested students with a potential meeting time and venue.

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Assessment Breakdown

Research Component: 100 points
Research Report (up to 10,000 words): 80%
Oral presentation: 10%
Supervisor's Evaluation: 10%

Coursework Component: 0 points
N/A

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Student Numbers

Number of places available:
14