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Unit information: Functional Neuroanatomy in 2024/25

Please note: Programme and unit information may change as the relevant academic field develops. We may also make changes to the structure of programmes and assessments to improve the student experience.

Unit name Functional Neuroanatomy
Unit code PHPH10013
Credit points 20
Level of study C/4
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Dr. Doherty
Open unit status Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)

Introduction to Neuroscience (PHPH10012)

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

Unit Information

Why is this unit important?

This unit enables you to gain an understanding of the molecular, structural and functional organisation of the mammalian nervous system. Through understanding neuroscience at the molecular level you can begin to understand the basis of how the brain adapts through plasticity, how networks function and how this leads to cognitive function.

How does this unit fit into your programme of study?

In this unit you will gain an insight into biological principles related to a range of topics within the subject area of neuroscience. Particular emphasis is placed on the human and relevance to common disorders is also considered. This will support your learning as you progress through the programme.

Your learning on this unit

An overview of content

This unit focuses on the organisation of the nervous system from the subcellular to the anatomical level. This will include aspects of molecular neuroscience, how networks function, plasticity in the brain, cognitive function and the basis of some common disorders of the nervous system. The practicals include detailed anatomical study of the human brain.

How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?

An understanding of the organisation of the nervous system from the molecular to the anatomical, is fundamental to understanding how the nervous system functions. This will support your continued learning on your programme.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit you will be able to:

  • Describe the organisation of the nervous system;
  • Relate the importance of protein structure, function and modifications in neuronal systems including in neurotransmitter systems and neuronal plasticity;
  • Explain the importance of neuronal networks;
  • Identify the basis of common neurological disorders.

How you will learn

Teaching on this unit will be delivered by:

  • Lectures;
  • Interactive large group tutorials;
  • Workshops (what's the difference with above - students make things in the workshops but use pre-produced materials in the tutorials) - Problem-based learning, hands on learning activities and digital experiments are used to explore the nature of the scientific process and how scientific investigations are carried out in the tutorials and workshops;
  • Practical sessions including human anatomy and histology session;
  • e-learning, including eBiolabs and online teaching materials including a short practice online spot test.

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.

How you will be assessed

Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):

  • Practical assessment is supported by formative quizzes associated with each practical class.
  • Formative spot questions.
  • Neuroanatomy review sessions will enable you to investigate particular aspects of neuroanatomy including devising their own spot test questions and practice online spot test questions are provided towards the end of the unit. A formative, image-based spot test will be sat during the last neuroanatomy workshop.
  • Topic quizes released via Blackboard allow you to consolidate learning in a format similar to those questions used in the End of Unit Exam.

Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):

  • Research report: 10%
  • Neuroanatomy spot exam (40 minutes term exam): 30%
  • End of Unit exam (1.5 hour multiple choice and short answer questions): 60%

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.

Resources

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. PHPH10013).

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.

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