Undergraduate - UnitBNS3062 - Imaging and brain disorders

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit examines common neurological conditions that result in behavioural dysfunction, and imaging techniques that can assist their diagnosis. The first five weeks examine the applications, limitations and theoretical bases of X-ray imaging, CT, angiography, PET, MRI, FMRI, SPECT, EEG and MEG. The remainder investigates the neurobiological correlates of traumatic brain injury, brain tumours, epilepsies, cerebrovascular disorders, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis and Fragile X Tremor Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS). Emphasis will be placed on the impact of these disorders on behaviour and cognition, their diagnosis and treatment, and on aspects of patient care.

Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. be familiar with the variety of neuroimaging techniques that are available, and understand the theoretical basis for these technologies and their practical limitations;

2. understand how imaging techniques can assist the diagnosis of some neurological disorders, and be able to interpret some of the features revealed by these images;

3. understand the neurobiological correlates of some common neurological disorders and how they are diagnosed and treated;

4. understand the behavioural and cognitive deficits that accompany some neurological disorders;

5. appreciate the impact of disorders and their treatment from the point of view of patients and their carers;

6. have developed confidence in communicating effectively with clinicians, patients and their carers; and

7. have acquired the ability of writing case reports based on clinical evaluation and interview with patients.

Assessment

Mid-semester written theory examination (short answer and/or MCQ, 2 hour): 30%
End of semester written theory examination (MCQ, 2 hours): 40%
Multi-disciplinary neuroimaging assignment: 15%
Patient Case Reports: 15%

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis

Contact hours

3 hours of lectures per week (1 x 2 hour; 1 x 1 hour), plus one 2 hour laboratory fortnightly. 6 additional hours per week of study

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/BNS3062.html