Module overview
This module conveys the concept of neuroscience as an integrative discipline by providing a description of mammalian brain function from molecular aspects of synaptic signalling to higher cognitive function that regulates behaviour.
Lectures will be accompanied by practicals, some of which involve the use of animal tissue, with alternatives in place if required to meet minimum learning outcomes.
Linked modules
Pre-Requisites: BIOL1024 AND BIOL1025 AND (BIOL1026 OR BIOL1028)
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- use a range of neuroscience laboratory equipment to conduct experiments
- critically evaluate neuroscience data from a primary research article
- record and analyse neuroscience data
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- use information technology and other resources to find, extract and synthesise information
- work with, and within, a group towards defined outcomes
- solve problems relating to qualitative and quantitative information
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Analyse quantitative aspects of neural function, including the use of the Nernst equation to calculate reversal potentials and to predict the effects of changes in membrane permeability on neuronal excitability
- Outline basic cellular and system mechanisms for learning, memory and emotion
- Describe the concepts of the higher functions of the brain and their spatial localisation
- Explain the role of glial cells in brain function
- Describe the basic anatomy of the nervous system
- Explain the process of mammalian brain development and the formation of neural circuits
- Outline molecular aspects of synaptic transmission
- Describe the function of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, synaptic potentials
- Describe the specialised sense organs at a cellular level, and the processing of sensory information in the CNS
- Identify the mechanisms of nociception and and neural processing of painful stimuli
- Describe the integration of synaptic information and action potential coding
- Describe the hierarchy of neuronal circuitry involved in motor systems
- Describe the neural control of behaviour
Syllabus
Indicative topics include
- Introduction to basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology
- Brain development
- Molecular basis of synaptic function
- Synaptic integration
- Systems neuroscience: motor systems, nociception, including transfer of information from the periphery to the CNS
- Systems neuroscience: special senses (vision, hearing, taste and smell)
- Role of glial cells in brain physiology
- Complex brain functions: cognition, cellular and systems basis of memory formation
- Neural basis of behaviour
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
This module consists of 45 lectures, 4 three-hour practical classes, a workshop, a tutorial and 241 hours of independent study.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 45 |
| Tutorial | 1 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 13 |
| Independent Study | 241 |
| Total study time | 300 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Liqun Luo. Principles of Neuroscience. Garland.
Purves et al. Neuroscience. Sinauer.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Should a student who selected BIOL2052 choose not to not pursue this module in S2, then they will be awarded the mark obtained at the end of S1 for the equivalent 7.5 ECTS module BIOL2051, and be expected to choose another 7.5ECTS module by the end of the 2nd week of S2 following standard module change procedures
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Practical write-ups
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Online test
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Written assessment | 80% |
| Practical | 20% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| CAA Exam | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External