NEUROSCIENCE: FROM MOLECULES TO MIND - 2020/1
Module code: BMS3064
Module Overview
The Neuroscience module is following the Neuroscience FHEQ Level 5 which provided the bases in Neuroscience. This second module will run over one semester and will provide students with a comprehensive research-led overview of several current hot topics in Neuroscience built in three blocks. Emphasis will be placed on integration of knowledge from the different areas presented in the lectures, specifically during three of the tutorial sessions. In addition, evaluation of skills for data analyses and interpretation of scientific publications will be addressed throughout all research-led lectures, the first tutorial and coursework assessment.
Module provider
School of Biosciences and Medicine
Module Leader
WINSKY-SOMMERER Raphaelle (Biosc & Med)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 6
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 122
Lecture Hours: 22
Tutorial Hours: 6
Module Availability
Semester 2
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
BMS2048 Neuroscience: From Neurones to Behaviour Or BMS2046 Pathology and Medicine Or BMS2047 Pharmacology: Introduction to Drug Action Or BMS3055 Advanced Pharmacology Selected Topics in Drug Action
Module content
Indicative content includes: this module is organised in three topical blocks
- Introduction Block “Setting the scene”
Introduction
Tutorial on coursework
Model systems, incl. computational modelling, used in Neuroscience research
- Block 1 “Neuroendocrinology”:
Neuroendocrine control of the hypothalamusTutorial: how do scientists study neuroendocrine function?
Kisspeptin
Control and timing of puberty
Control of appetite
Control and consequences of stress
- Block 2 “Complex brain functions”
Interaction between sleep and the endocrine system
Contribution of sleep and circadian rhythms to higher brain functions
Sleep disorders
Brain basis of the reward system
Brain mechanisms of orientation and migration
Cellular and molecular correlates of plasticity
Plasticity during lifespan
Learning and Memory
- Block 3 “Ageing & brain disorders”
Neurodevelopmental disorders
The impact of physiological ageing on the brain
Neurodegenerative diseases associated with ageing
Other neurodegenerative diseasess
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | COURSEWORK: ONE WRITTEN CRITICAL DISCUSSION OF A RESEARCH PAPER | 30 |
| Examination | EXAMINATION (2 HOURS): ANSWER TWO QUESTIONS OUT OF A CHOICE OF FOUR | 70 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate
- Via the coursework, to assess the student’s ability to
- Critically evaluate and analyse the intellectual and technical aspects of scientific data from published literature;
- Use efficiently electronic data bases
-Apply knowledge on methods and concepts in a new context
-Write a short, structured essay with a fixed number of words limit.
- Via the examination, to assess the student’s ability to
- Recall and relate knowledge from different Neuroscience areas and thereby demonstrate integration of information and critical reflection on lecture contents
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
- Coursework (30%): assessment of cognitive and analytical, presentation and written skills. This is assessed based on Structure, clarity and production of the essay
- Examination (70%): assessment of subject knowledge, based on content, integration of knowledge, structure and clarity
- Provisional coursework deadlines week 28
Formative assessment and feedback
Formative feedback is provided to the students:
- during the tutorial sessions by the lecturer(s) running these sessions
- via SurreyLearn with notes posted on the module page, or via emails to the whole student cohort
- by providing feedback on coursework essay (listing the good points and which aspects to improve) and examination scripts
- via the Examination feedback sheet posted on SurreyLearn.
Module aims
- To cover the relationship between the endocrine system and nervous system, with emphasis on current hot topics in Neuroendocrinology and Neuroscience
- To expand the understanding of complex brain functions with emphasis on areas of expertise within active research programmes in the FHMS
- To expand the understanding of normal and abnormal functioning of the central nervous system and the underlying molecular bases
- To obtain a strong base in neurobiology
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Appreciate the variety of novel model systems used in Neuroscience research | KCT |
| 002 | Have a working knowledge of the role of the endocrine system in a whole range of physiological processes ranging from neuronal input to complex behaviours | KCT |
| 003 | Appreciate the contribution of sleep to the endocrine system and brain functions | KCT |
| 004 | Have an understanding of learning & memory, and plasticity | KCT |
| 005 | Gain insight into brain plasticity and its functional relevance to learning and memory, as well as brain functions and neurodisorders | KCT |
| 006 | Have a working knowledge of the brain basis of reward, orientation and migration | KCT |
| 007 | Have a working knowledge of ageing and several neurodisorders including neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative disorders | KCT |
| 008 | Have a working knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of brain disorders and the ageing brain | KCT |
| 009 | Use electronic databases to selectively access information | PT |
| 010 | Be able to critically evaluate the intellectual and technical aspects of published literature | CPT |
| 011 | Show capacity for independent, critical thinking | CP |
| 012 | Write an essay of 1000 words in a structured and scientific manner | CPT |
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:
Provide the students with knowledge via the set of lectures, whilst promoting the development of personal skills relating to critical assessment of data and analyses, as well as integration of knowledge via the tutorial sessions. Tutorial sessions provide the opportunity to students to define their difficulties or points where they would value feedback which is then timely delivered by the lecturer.
The learning and teaching methods include:
- Lectures (22h, 3 times per week)
- Tutorial sessions (6-h distributed at the beginning of the module, and then at the end of each of the 3 topic blocks). All tutorial sessions are highly interactive to provide the opportunity to students to ask questions and develop their critical skills.
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: BMS3064
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biomedicine with Data Science BSc (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biomedicine with Electronic Engineering BSc (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biochemistry BSc (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biochemistry MSci (Hons) | 2 | 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 2020/1 academic year.