| 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 | Professor. Clea Warburton |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
Understanding Body Function A and B |
| School/department | School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
The aim of the unit is to provide students with an introduction to neuroscience. The unit will give students a fundamental understanding of on the structure and function of nerves and brains. The unit will begin with an overview of gross anatomy of the nervous system followed by a focus on development of the mammalian 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 then look at homeostasis and how the brain coordinates responses to external stimuli.
The unit will end with lectures which will cover a historical perspective on some of the key findings and discoveries in Neuroscience to encourage and increase enthusiasm for Neuroscience. that causes students to choose this specialized degree programme.
A further aim of the unit will be to complement first-year neurophysiology teaching (Understanding Body Function A and B)
At the end of this unit students should have knowledge and understanding of:
1.1 Introduction to the cell biology of the neuron
1.2. Gross organisation of the nervous system - brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, cerebral spinal fluid
1.3. Development of the nervous system
1.4. Ascending sensory pathways
1.5. Descending motor pathways
1.6. Special senses
1.7. Introduction to homeostasis
1.8. Selected discoveries in neuroscience
Additionally the unit is designed to enable students to obtain or improve the following transferable academic and personal skills
2.1. Short essay/abstract writing
2.2. Effective listening and note taking
2.3. Problem solving
2.4. Basic IT skills
2.5. Handling prosected brain specimens
2.6. Practical skills
2.7. Group work
2.8. Time management
Lectures, class and small group tutorials, practical session
The assessed ILOs are indicated in brackets
Formative
In class spot questions (1.2, 2.2, 2.5. 2.7)
Summative
Short essay/abstract writing task (1.8, 2.2, 2.4, 2.8)
Spot assessment (1.2, 2.2, 2.5)
Ebiolabs post lab quiz (1.2, 2.2, 2.3,2.5)
Unseen written examination comprising MCQ and EMQ (1.1-1.7, 2.2)
Neuroscience Exploring the Brain (4th Ed) M.F. Bear, B.W. Connors, M.A. Paradiso
