Neurobiology, Homeostasis and Behaviour
Big idea: This Grade 12 capstone connects action potential, chemical synapse, neural circuit, homeostatic feedback, behavioural plasticity to evaluate complex biological systems through evidence, uncertainty, responsible inference and real-world application.
Learning goals
- action potential
- chemical synapse
- neural circuit
- homeostatic feedback
- behavioural plasticity
Core concepts
action potential
A regenerative change in membrane voltage that propagates along an excitable cell.
chemical synapse
A junction where neurotransmitter release converts an electrical signal into a chemical message for another cell.
neural circuit
An interconnected group of neurons whose activity transforms inputs into coordinated outputs.
homeostatic feedback
A sensor–controller–effector loop that counteracts deviation from a regulated physiological range.
behavioural plasticity
Experience- or context-dependent change in behaviour supported by modification of neural function.