Neuroscience

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.

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• work with, and within, a group towards defined outcomes

• solve problems relating to qualitative and quantitative information

• use information technology and other resources to find, extract and synthesise information

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Describe the integration of synaptic information and action potential coding

• Describe the hierarchy of neuronal circuitry involved in motor systems

• Identify the mechanisms of nociception and and neural processing of painful stimuli

• Explain the role of glial cells in brain function

• Describe the function of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, synaptic potentials

• Outline basic cellular and system mechanisms for learning, memory and emotion

• 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

• Explain the process of mammalian brain development and the formation of neural circuits

• Describe the specialised sense organs at a cellular level, and the processing of sensory information in the CNS

• Describe the basic anatomy of the nervous system

• Describe the neural control of behaviour

• Describe the concepts of the higher functions of the brain and their spatial localisation

• Outline molecular aspects of synaptic transmission

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• critically evaluate neuroscience data from a primary research article

• use a range of neuroscience laboratory equipment to conduct experiments

• record and analyse neuroscience data

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

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