| Unit name | Neuroscience |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHPHM0006 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Molnar |
| 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?
Neuroscience deals with the mind and the brain – from molecules to behaviour. Neuroscience research has a great many applications, from medicine to artificial intelligence. In this unit you will learn about aspects of the nervous system from molecular and cellular physiology, through how the nervous system is organized and functions normally. You will explore what goes wrong in neurological, and psychiatric disorders and current and future approaches to treat these.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This optional unit in Teaching Block 1 provides you with an understanding of the normal structure and function of the nervous system as well as changes associated with disorders and how these can be treated. You will learn how research techniques can be used to further our knowledge and understanding of the nervous system in health and disease. This will support students interested in undertaking further research in neuroscience (molecular, cellular or systems), neurology or neuropharmacology as part of the Literature Review, Project Proposal or Research Project.
Individual and group activities will build your confidence in vital skills used throughout the programme, including critically engaging with scientific literature, independent research skills, experimental design and academic writing. Through teamwork and your individual oral presentation, you will build oral communication skills, to support you in delivering a presentation about your Research Project.
An overview of content
The unit consists of activities such as lectures, seminars and discussion groups that will give a general introduction to neuroscience and neuropharmacology. It will cover brain structure and function in the major areas of neuroscience research including CNS development, brain disorders (e.g. stroke, movement disorders, epilepsy, depression and dementia), diagnostic procedures, biomarkers and therapeutic approaches. It will also introduce relevant research techniques and give students an introduction to the cutting edge of neuroscience research and drug discovery for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
You will develop a knowledge and understanding of signalling and transmission by nerves and synapses, neurotransmission and neuromodulation, development of the nervous system, plasticity in the nervous system, cellular and molecular basis of learning and memory, fundamental disease mechanisms, neuropharmacology concepts, drug discovery and methodological approaches to study fundamental brain processes. You will critically engage with literature surrounding the topic, carrying out independent research and developing your written and oral communication skills. You will also develop professional skills through group work with your peers.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the unit the students should have acquired a sound knowledge of brain structure and function. They should also have acquired a good understanding of CNS development, brain disorders and neuropharmacology concepts.
After completing this unit, you will be able to:
This unit includes a series of integrated lectures and seminars delivered by subject experts and facilitated student-directed Active Learning Groups (ALG). Lecture topics will present areas of research interest and provide the foundational knowledge needed to carry out independent research for the coursework essay. Discussions in ALG will support the development of your individual oral presentation, where you will carry out further research on your presentation topic.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative)
You will have the opportunity to complete a formative essay and a formative oral presentation as part of the integrated assessment approach for the MSc Biomedical Sciences Research programme; these tasks will be undertaken as part of the MSc Core Skills unit. You will receive support and guidance on how to prepare for these tasks and you will receive feedback on your work. Reflecting, and responding to feedback will allow you to improve your critical approach to engaging with research. It will also allow you to refine your written and oral communication skills.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative)
Coursework essay (60% of unit mark): essay topics will be linked to neurological and psychiatric disorder research areas introduced in the lecture components of this unit.
Oral presentation (40% of unit mark): oral presentation topics will be linked to the neurological disorders research areas introduced in lectures and then further researched and discussed as part of student-led Active Learning Groups.
When an assessment does not go to plan.
If you are unable to submit your coursework essay by the deadline, you can request an extension at least 48 hours in advance of the submission deadline.
If you are unable to present your oral presentation, an alternative opportunity to deliver the presentation will be offered.
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 the programme of study. The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
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. PHPHM0006).
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.
