| 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. Howarth |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| 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 the structure and function of nerves and brains. The unit will begin 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 how the brain coordinates responses to external stimuli. The development of the mammalian nervous system will also be covered.
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.
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. Ascending sensory pathways
1.4. Special senses
1.5. Descending motor pathways
1.6. Development of the nervous system
1.7. 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. Figure legend 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, large group tutorials, workshops and practical sessions including human anatomy practical session.
The assessed ILOs are indicated in brackets
Formative
In class spot questions (1.2, 2.2, 2.5. 2.7)
Tutorial tasks (1.1-1.7, 2.3, 2.4, 2.7, 2.8)
Summative
Figure legend writing task (2.1, 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
Neuroanatomy, An illustrated colour text (5th Ed) A.R. Crossman, D Neary
