NEUROSCIENCE, FROM NEURONES TO BEHAVIOUR - 2022/3

Module Overview

To obtain basic but broad knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system.

Module provider

School of Biosciences

Module Leader

BARTSCH Ullrich (Biosciences)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

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

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

• One summary (1,000-1,500 words, 40%)


• 1 short essay (part of a 36-hour open book exam, 60% in total)

• Factual knowledge will be tested using formative MCQs and example essay questions will be discussed in tutorials to provide verbal feedback.

• The 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

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• 
  Develop subject-specific knowledge
  


• 
  Provide formative feedback, class discussion and summative examinations
  

• 
  15 Lectures (15 hours)
  


• 
  10 tutorials for formative assessments and class discussions (10 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

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 2022/3 academic year.