| Unit name | Neurophysiology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHPH20009 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Howarth |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
PHPH10010 or PHPH10014 |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
This unit focuses on the physiology of the mammalian peripheral and central nervous systems. The topics include principles of neurophysiology, motor control, somatic and special senses and higher mental functions. Associated practical classes examine human neuromuscular and sensory function.
The unit includes teaching and learning related to the development of concepts and skills connected to the physiology content of the course. This includes data handling and analysis, report writing, essay writing skills and comprehension of scientific literature.
The aims are:
• To provide systematic coverage of mammalian neurophysiology
• To provide a link between the first and third year of the Physiology programme in content
• To further develop transferable and scientific skills in preparation for the final year of the programme
These aims will be accomplished through lectures, class tutorials and independent work. In addition, a focus will be on gaining experimental skills through class practical sessions.
By the end of the this unit students should:
1. Have knowledge and understanding of the principles of neurophysiology (A3)
2. Be able to describe fundamental aspects of central nervous system function (A3)
3. Be able to give accounts of somatic and special senses and higher order nervous function (A3)
4. Synthesise, understand, manage and summarise information from a number of sources (B1, C4)
5. Understand and interpret experimental procedures (B2)
6. Analyse and interpret scientific data (B3)
7. Read and understand scientific literature (B4)
8. Communicate clearly in writing (C1)
9. Use IT facilities for data handling and presentation of written work (C3)
Coursework 30%
Timed assessment (end of unit) 70%
Information provided in the unit will be drawn from several sources for any one topic. Individual lecturers will make recommendations of useful information sources, including textbooks, reports in scientific journals and web-based materials.
A selection of useful textbooks is provided below:
The complete resource list associated with the unit can accessed through the library resource lists and is provide on the unit blackboard area.
