Advanced Nerve and Muscle Physiology

Unit code: RBM3264 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
St Albans
Prerequisites
RBM2800 - Cardiorespiratory and Renal Physiology
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

This unit examines in detail the mechanisms of nerve and muscle function, including behaviour of excitable cells; mechanisms of muscle contraction; muscle fibre types; metabolic processes in active muscle; neuromuscular fatigue; and muscle plasticity. Students are also introduced to current research techniques in nerve and muscle physiology.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Critically reflect on the experimental evidence describing ionic movement, the action potential and its synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction;
  2. Discriminate between the structural and functional properties of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscles;
  3. Interrogate the regulation of intracellular calcium and its effects on muscle fatigue and damage processes;
  4. Investigate muscle fibre types, metabolism and fatigue and analyse the immense plasticity of skeletal muscle; and
  5. Experiment according to ethical protocols on both animal tissue and human subjects to illustrate basic properties of nerve/muscle function.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Laboratory Work
|
Grade: 30%
Laboratory reports (3) reports - (1800 words in total)
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 25%
Workshop questions (600 words in total)
Assessment type: Exercise
|
Grade: 45%
Justified response to Physiological reasoning questions (open book, 2.5 hours)

Required reading

RECOMMENDED TEXTS: Nerve and muscle physiology sections of any basic physiology textbook. Silverthorn, D. U., Johnson, B. R., Ober, W. C., Ober, C. E., & Silverthorn, A. C. (2018). Human physiology: An integrated approach. (8th ed). Harlow Essex: Pearson. MacIntosh, B.R., Gardiner, P.F., & McComas, A.J. (2006) Skeletal Muscle: Form and Function 2nd Edition, Human Kinetics.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Biomedical and Exercise Science
HBES | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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