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Neuroscience - BIO00048I

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  • Department: Biology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Gareth Evans
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

The nervous system is an incredibly complex organ that controls all aspects of behaviour and hence defines who we are. Understanding how the brain works is one of the major scientific frontiers. This module will provide a foundation in neuroscience at the level of synapses, neurons, circuits and behaviour drawing on the nervous systems of humans and model organisms.
The knowledge and skills acquired in this module will prepare students for the research-led Advanced Topics in Neuroscience module in Stage 3.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

The overarching aim of the teaching and assessment of the module is to develop and test experimental design, data analysis and problem solving skills in neuroscience. These skills will be acquired through interactive lectures, workshops and independent activities that will prepare you for the open online assessment. We will first study the fundamental cell, molecular and electrophysiological properties of neurons and synapses and then consider how neuronal cells are organised to form a nervous system. The basic mechanisms of sensory input and processing will then be described, followed by how these systems co-ordinate movement. Finally, we will examine Parkinson's Disease as an example of nervous system dysfunction in relation to movement.

Module learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this module will have the ability to:

1. Describe the structure and function of the nervous system at the level of synaptic transmission, gross anatomy, circuitry, sensory input and processing.

2. Describe the mechanisms by which the nervous system controls voluntary movements and how these are disrupted in disease.

3. Describe scientific techniques and design experimental strategies for neuroscience research.

4. Synthesise ideas from across the module into coherent arguments.

5. Acquire, analyse, interpret and present experimental data.

6. Solve problems related to experimental neuroscience.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Neuroscience		 6 hours 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Neuroscience		 6 hours 100

Module feedback

Marks for all summative assessments will be made available to you and your supervisor via e:vision. Feedback will be either individual or cohort-level, depending on the assessment format. You should take the opportunity to discuss your marks and feedback with your supervisor.

For exam-style summative assessment, model answers will be provided for all questions along with cohort-level feedback indicating how students answered questions in general. Marks achieved per question will be added to your script.

For coursework assessments (eg. reports or essays) you will receive individual feedback on your work. This will usually be in the form of a feedback sheet that will include suggestions for further improvement.

During the teaching of the module you will receive formative feedback that may be at a whole class or individual level. Such feedback may include: model answers and discussion of workshop questions, summaries of performance in practicals, VLE-based quizzes, individual spoken comments during workshops, individual written comments on formative work.

Indicative reading

These are available through the VLE module site.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.