| Unit name | Introduction to Neuroscience |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHPH10012 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Doherty |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
Why is this unit important?
This unit provides you with a broad introduction to neuroscience that will underpin your learning across your degree programme. You will gain a fundamental understanding of the structure and function of nerves and the brain from the cellular to the anatomical level. The unit will end with lectures which will cover a historical perspective on some of the key findings and discoveries in Neuroscience and the current advances in the subject, to encourage and increase enthusiasm for Neuroscience.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
The principles of neuroscience introduced in this unit will be drawn on throughout the programme are so are important in supporting your learning across your degree.
An overview of content
The aim of the unit is to provide you with an introduction to the fundamental principles of neuroscience. The unit will give you an understanding of the structure and function of nerves and the brain beginning with an overview of gross anatomy of the nervous system. The next sections will look at the sensory and motor systems and examine how the brain processes information related to sensory perception and voluntary movement, and coordinates responses to external stimuli. The development of the mammalian nervous system will also be covered.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
You will have the fundamental knowledge and skills to support your learning across the your degree programme.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit you will be able to:
Teaching on this unit will be delivered by:
Please note: Neuroanatomy practical sessions are undertaken in the anatomy teaching laboratories. Teaching will use human cadaveric specimens and students are required to interact with these specimens in teaching sessions and the neuroanatomy spot assessment.
Attendance and engagement
You are expected to attend all your practical classes. If you fail to attend and/or engage with components of a unit, the matter may be referred to the Faculty Board of Examiners. If the Faculty Board decides that your attendance or engagement has not been sufficient to satisfy the unit's Intended Learning Outcomes, they may decide that you are unable to progress to the next year of study. If this is the case, you will be required to complete reassessment work to a satisfactory standard. This may include additional written work (to be completed during the summer) or a requirement to repeat part or all of the unit in a supplementary year.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
When assessment does not go to plan
There will be an opportunity for reassessment of the end of unit exam in the reassessment period. In addition, there will be an opportunity to complete the neuroanatomy spot exam and the figure legend prior to the reassessment period. The reassessments for the spot exam will use images rather than real specimens but will otherwise be in the same format as the main assessments.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHPH10012).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
