NEUROSCIENCE, FROM NEURONES TO BEHAVIOUR - 2019/0
Module code: BMS2048
Module Overview
To obtain basic but broad knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system.
Module provider
School of Biosciences and Medicine
Module Leader
SEIBT Julie (Biosc & Med)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 5
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 124
Lecture Hours: 19
Tutorial Hours: 7
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
BMS1032 Introduction to Principles of Physiology and Practical Skills
Module content
Indicative content includes:
Introduction to the module: concepts and terminology
Structure of the nervous system
Monitoring the working brain
Animal models to study the brain
Manipulating the working brain
Building blocks of the nervous system: neurones and glia
Wiring the brain: creating and connecting neurons
Neuronal communication: membrane potential and action potential
Neuronal communication: synaptic transmission
Sensory receptor mechanisms
Central processing of sensory information
Comparative aspects of sensory systems
Memory
Physiology of behaviour and motivation
Language and speech
Sex and the brain
Consciousness
Losing connections: ageing and neurodegeneration
Assessment pattern
Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
---|---|---|
Coursework | One essay on a specific research question in Neuroscience | 30 |
Examination | 50 MCQs (50%) and 2 short essays out of 5 questions (50%) (2 hours) | 70 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate
- Knowledge and understanding of Neuroscience and ability to synthesize knowledge
- Ability to discuss and criticise neuroscience research work and data
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
- One summary (1,000-1,500 words, 30%)
- 50 MCQs (part of 2 hour exam, 37.5% in total)
- 2 short essays (part of 2 hour exam, 37.5% in total)
Formative assessment and feedback
- Answers to sample MCQs and essay questions are assessed formatively in tutorials as verbal feedbacks.
- Coursework (essay) is marked within three weeks of submission and returned to students with detailed comments for feedback. In addition, an additional feedback session is also organised for questions and answers.
Module aims
- To introduce the structure and function of the nervous system
- To provide an understanding of biochemical processes in the brain as a basis for normal functioning of the nervous system
- To develop knowledge about sensory processing and cognitive brain functions
Learning outcomes
Attributes Developed | ||
001 | Demonstrate a basic understanding of important concepts in Neuroscience. Show knowledge of neuronal communication, neural bases of special senses, and higher brain functions. | KC |
002 | Develop skills in essay writing and critical thinking. | PT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
Develop subject specific knowledge
Provide formative feedback, class discussion and summative examinations
The learning and teaching methods include:
- 18 Lectures (19 hours)
- 4 tutorials for formative assessments and class discussions (7 hours)
- 1 piece of coursework (essay on a research question in Neuroscience)
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: BMS2048
Programmes this module appears in
Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
---|---|---|---|
Biochemistry BSc (Hons) | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Biochemistry MSci (Hons) | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2019/0 academic year.