The dopamine hypothesis and

glutamate hypothesis are two major models explaining the neurochemical basis of

schizophrenia.

Critically

compare these two hypotheses,

including:

• The key neurochemical changes proposed in each

• The types of symptoms each hypothesis explains

  (positive, negative, cognitive)

• How current and emerging treatments align with

  these models

• Which hypothesis you think offers a better

  framework for future drug discovery, and why

Researchers are investigating the

effects of a tau aggregation inhibitor on synaptic structure and function in a

mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. You are given the following experimental

data:

Task:

Using the data above and your

understanding of Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology,

1. The role of tau protein in healthy neurons

   ,

   and how

   tau pathology

   affects dendritic structure and synaptic

   plasticity in Alzheimer’s disease

2. How the tau aggregation inhibitor

   appears to be changing synaptic structure and function in all the groups,

   based on the experimental data

3. How these cellular-level changes correlate

   with the observed differences in

   maze performance between groups

[10

marks, 10 minutes]

Critically evaluate a new drug

that targets tau aggregation.

This hypothetical drug prevents the formation of neurofibrillary tangles by

stabilising tau proteins. As a student-researcher:

• Describe

  how this drug might alter disease progression

• Identify

  potential benefits and limitations

• Propose

  an experiment to test its efficacy in a pre-clinical model

• Explain

  how this could address current gaps in AD therapy

[8 marks,

8 minutes]

Rivastigmine

is commonly prescribed for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Convince

a funding panel to support your schizophrenia research.

You are applying for a research

grant to develop a new therapeutic approach for schizophrenia.

In a short written pitch

,

persuade the panel that your project is worth funding by addressing the

following:

• Why is schizophrenia a critical area for

  research investment?

• What gap or limitation in current treatment

  does your project aim to address?

• What potential impact could your research have

  on patients or healthcare?

Write your response as if you are

speaking to a panel of non-specialist reviewers—keep it clear, persuasive, and

focused on real-world relevance.

Atypical antipsychotics are commonly

prescribed to manage schizophrenia.

Explain how these medications work and

why they may be more effective than typical antipsychotics for some patients.

A patient newly diagnosed with

schizophrenia presents with predominantly negative and cognitive symptoms and

is concerned about side effects.

Which class of antipsychotic would you

recommend (typical vs. atypical), and why?

[5

marks, 5 minutes]

You are a clinician explaining

Alzheimer’s disease progression to a patient’s family member.

• Memory

  loss

• Difficulty

  with speech or language

• Confusion

  and personality changes

Your response should explain links between brain region damage (e.g.

hippocampus, cortex), cholinergic deficits, and hallmark pathology (plaques and

tangles).

[8 marks,

10 minutes]

You are

part of a clinical trial team evaluating two experimental Alzheimer’s disease

treatments:

• Drug A:

  A

  monoclonal antibody that targets amyloid-beta oligomers

• Drug B:

  A

  small molecule that inhibits tau hyperphosphorylation

Critically

evaluate which drug is more likely to have a greater impact on improving

cognitive function in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

In your answer:

• Explain the role of amyloid-beta and tau in

  disease progression

• Evaluate the likely effectiveness of targeting

  each in early-stage patients

• Make and justify a recommendation on which

  should progress to Phase III trials

You must read and agree to the academic declaration before you can access the quiz.

Academic integrity and honesty declaration

I am committed to upholding Monash University standards of academic integrity and honesty, and I agree to do the following in this non-invigilated online assessment:

• I will complete this assessment individually, and will NOT participate in any unauthorised collaboration (collusion) when completing this assessment.
• I will not plagiarise the work of others or include work that has been previously submitted as part of another unit/course (plagiarism).
• I will take reasonable steps to safeguard my answers to the assessment and to ensure that other students are unable to copy or misuse my work.
• I will follow all the requirements of Monash University's Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures.
• I will be responsible for the consequences of engaging in plagiarism and collusion as described in Part 7 of the Monash University (Council) Regulations (academic misconduct)

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