Overview
Examination of neural basis of perception and behaviour in animals. Advantages and limitations of a simple systems approach for studying brain function.
Embark on an academic quest in ZOOL 412: Neurobiology & Behaviour, an immersive simulation blending neuroscience and behavioral science with a gamified, project-based learning approach. Set in a dynamic fictional research environment, you're "hired" by Kessler Pan-orbital Industries to navigate through complex scientific challenges, budget management, and ethical decisions. With twelve engaging projects and a generous budget, your mission is to advance your understanding of the nervous system and behavior through real-world applications and collaborative teamwork.
About this paper
| Paper title | Neurobiology and Behaviour |
|---|---|
| Subject | Zoology |
| EFTS | 0.1667 |
| Points | 20 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,535.64 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Contact
- zoology@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
Dr Bart Geurten - Department of Zoology
Dr Paul Szyszka - Department of Zoology
Joseph Cahill-Lane - Department of Zoology
- Paper Structure
In-Class Sessions
- Housekeeping and Overview: A concise update on the simulation's progress.
- The Shareholder's Panopticon: An engaging session dedicated to presenting findings, critiquing methodologies and ethical approaches. This interactive environment allows every team member to be questioned, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.
- Executive Brief: The unveiling of new tasks, materials, and objectives sets the stage for upcoming challenges.
- Role Assignment: Each participant is allocated a specific role, detailed further in the course documentation.
- In Class Research: Teams formulate hypotheses and outline experimental plans, culminating in the submission of a research plan.
Voluntary participation:
- Feedback Round: An open forum for discussing the game's structure, individual and team performances, and any unresolved queries.
- Open Discussion: A platform to discuss neuroscience topics informally, accompanied by food and drinks.
Out-of-Class Activities
On Friday evenings, you receive a comprehensive research report from us, encompassing the outcomes of your planned experiments along with an itemized account of the associated costs. The ensuing task is for you to craft a document or presentation—termed a research brief—aimed at the fictional shareholders. This research brief should encapsulate your analytical insights, further investigations, and strategic recommendations based on the data provided. The deadline for this submission is the following Wednesday, setting a brisk yet manageable pace for your week's scholarly endeavors.
- Teaching Arrangements
Inspired by the agile principle, ZOOL412 operates on the premise that while specific tasks may be unknown at the outset, the methodology and teamwork framework are clear from the beginning. This approach encourages flexibility, adaptability, and continuous learning.
Adopting a mindset of "It's done when it's done," ZOOL412 offers an unconventional structure. If you can efficiently compress an in-class session into 20 minutes, you're free to leave and pursue your interests outside the classroom. However, remember that your fictional research brief is due next Wednesday. This ethos of solving tasks at your own pace extends to the entire course structure. Out of the twelve projects, only nine will count towards your final grade. Once you've completed these nine projects to your satisfaction, you may choose to focus on other pursuits for the remainder of the semester. However, bear in mind that your teammates will continue in your absence.
- Textbooks
- Textbooks are not required for this paper.
- Course outline
Kia Ora and Welcome to ZOOL412!
Neurobiology and Behaviour (ZOOL412) is a 20-point course that employs gamified, project-based learning to explore the intricacies of how nervous systems gather, process, and integrate information to elicit natural behaviors and probe the depths of cognition.
ZOOL412 offers a pioneering deep simulation experience designed to submerge students in the intricate realms of neuroscience and behavioral science. This course stands apart from traditional, time-bound academic settings by being predominantly assignment-driven. It accentuates learning through active engagement, collaborative teamwork, and the practical application of theoretical knowledge within simulated real-world contexts.
In this course, you'll find yourself 'employed' by Kessler Pan-orbital Industries. As part of an off-site research team, you'll navigate through a series of assignments that will challenge you with rival competitions, stakeholder demands, and ethical conundrums. This compelling environment aims to cultivate critical thinking, adept problem-solving skills, and ethical discernment within the spheres of neuroscience and behavior.
Embark on a journey through twelve scientific projects, managing a generous annual budget of 20 million. The challenge involves judicious allocation of funds, formulation of hypotheses, development of research and experimental plans, critical evaluation of the work presented to you, and timely delivery of results to satisfy fictional shareholders—all while clinging to the vestiges of your scientific and ethical convictions.
Best of luck as you traverse this unique educational adventure, where the application of your knowledge, the strength of your convictions, and the effectiveness of your teamwork will be the key to your success.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
1. Develop scientific research skills and academic writing to a professional standard
2. Develop critical and reflective thinking, especially in the domain of neuroscience
3. Gain a deep understanding of neural circuits and their components
4. Gain practical experience with the advantages and limitations of computer models
5. Gain practical experience with building your own equipment and setups
6. Work individually to source information and to communicate knowledge and ideas effectively in writing and verbally
- Assessment details
In ZOOL412, your progress and contributions are meticulously assessed to ensure fair and comprehensive evaluation. Here's how the grading system is structured to support your learning journey.
Weekly Marks Breakdown
- 40% Group Performance: Your team's collective efforts and achievements play a significant role. Collaboration and synergy are key.
- 40% Personal Performance in Role: Your individual contribution, initiative, and effectiveness in your assigned role are critically evaluated. It's your stage to shine.
- 20% Panopticon Performance: Active participation, engagement, and your ability to respond under scrutiny during the Shareholder's Panopticon sessions are valued.
- Special Note for Team Leaders: Recognizing the pivotal role of leadership, team leaders' marks are primarily based on group performance, constituting 80% of their weekly grade.
Best Nine of Twelve
Understanding the dynamic nature of learning and teamwork, only your top nine scores out of twelve possible weekly marks contribute to your final grade. This system offers flexibility, allowing you to balance between oral and written contributions, and adapt to the evolving course demands and your personal growth trajectory.
Addressing Concerns and Achieving Fairness
Worried about being impacted by the varied performance levels within your group? Fear not. Should you consistently outperform and believe your contributions surpass the reflected grades, you have the opportunity to request a promotion. This entails submitting a well-argued case for review, in line with the University of Otago's promotion guidelines. Exceptional circumstances warrant extra recognition, and this process ensures that your efforts do not go unnoticed.
Minimum mark requirement
The grading scheme used at Otago is:
- A+ 90-100
- A 85-89
- A- 80-84
- B+ 75-79
- B 70-72
- B- 65-69
- C+ 60-64
- C 55-59
- C- 50-54
- D 40-49
- E <40
You must achieve a minimum mark of 50% in internal assessment. A student who does not meet these minimum requirements will be awarded an F (ungraded fail with no mark).