| Unit name | Methods in Molecular Neuroscience |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BRMSM0081 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Whitcomb |
| 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 | Bristol Medical School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
Why is this unit important?
Studying neuroscience at the molecular scale requires an understanding of genes and proteins, and how they interact within neural cells. But how do we actually determine what is happening inside cells? In Methods in Molecular Neuroscience, you will be introduced to the neuroanatomy of the brain and explore the most widely-used experimental methods and tools in molecular neuroscience. You will learn about how key methodological approaches work, and what they can tell us about the hidden worlds within neurons and glia. You will examine real-world questions in neuroscience, and see how different methods are applied to answer them – including widely-utilised statistical testing tools. Then, in your assignment, you will apply this knowledge and understanding to design experimental approaches to test hypotheses surrounding the structure and function of neural cells.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit will equip you with a strong familiarity and understanding of the core methodological and analytical approaches in molecular neuroscience. This will provide a context to your reading of research papers throughout the whole programme – you will understand not just what has been explored in a given piece of research, but also how and why. You will also gain experience in designing experiments, learning that there are often several ways to answer a given question.
An overview of content
In this unit, you will learn about the scientific methods of molecular neuroscience through a combination of lectures, workshops, lab practicals and structured asynchronous tasks. In the lectures, we will explore different techniques, including gene editing, electrophysiology, and pharmacology. Then, in workshops, we will apply this knowledge to understand real-world research. Finally, in structured asynchronous tasks, you will compare, contrast and critically appraise different methods, and use your understanding to propose ways to test hypotheses and answer scientific questions.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
At the end of this unit, you will have a greater understanding of important laboratory methods that are used every day in research in the field of molecular neuroscience. You will have developed a critical stance to judge methods used in research publications. Crucially, you will be able to confidently design experimental approaches to answer research questions – one of the most fundamental skills for a neuroscientist.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this unit, you should be able to:
You will primarily learn through lectures, where core information is presented. Importantly, these sessions are interactive, where you will be given opportunities to ask questions, and given short tasks to complete so that you can confirm your own understanding of the taught topics. You will also learn through workshops, where working in groups, you will discuss your ideas and understanding with others and work together to solve problems. Finally, you will undertake a lab practical, giving you first-hand experience of the tools and techniques that you will learn about in the taught component of the unit. These ways of learning will prepare you for the summative assessment, which involves synthesising the information you have learnt in the unit and applying it to solve problems.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
The formative task for the unit comprises a class workshop where we will work through research scenarios, and you will design and propose experimental approaches. As you work through these problem scenarios, you will receive instant feedback from the lecturer, and during discussions also from your peers.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
The summative assessment (100%) for the unit comprises completing short-answer problem sheets, where you are asked to compare, contrast, critique and propose methodological approaches to answer scientific questions.
When assessment does not go to plan
If you do not pass the unit, you will normally be given the opportunity to take a reassessment as per the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes. Decisions on the award of reassessment will normally be taken after all taught units of the year have been completed. Reassessment will normally be in a similar format to the original assessment that has been failed.
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. BRMSM0081).
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.
