This module is a core module for Biological Sciences (Human Biology route), and an optional module for Pharmacology and Biological Sciences (Genetics and Molecular Biology route). This research-driven module will provide a thorough background in the fields of neurophysiology and neuropharmacology and introduce a range of current topics in neuroscience, selected from such areas as cellular and molecular neurobiology, sensory and motor systems, cognitive neuroscience and degenerative neuropathologies. You will experience current research techniques and learn to critically evaluate and discuss different ways of studying the brain.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Topics outlined above will be introduced in scheduled teaching sessions and taught through a combination of didactic lectures, directed reading, blended learning via Canvas and in-class discussion.
Practical classes will be research-led and consist of a short tutorial, small-group work under supervision of an academic member of staff, and practical write-up in a lab-book, which will accompany the student throughout the module and be summatively assessed at the end of the academic year. Maintaining a laboratory book is a key employability skill in both academic and commercial research environment.
The students' communication skills will be developed and assessed through a student-led journal club, where students will select and summarise current research papers, and present their findings to their peers. The journal club will also develop employability skills such as leadership and networking, as students critically debate scientific findings.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures, 40h tutorials and seminars, 6h Practical classes 12h Assessment briefings & events 13h | 71 |
| Guided independent study | Directed reading, preparation of presentations, practical write-up and data handling. | 229 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Formative assessment will be provided by an essay (similar in scope to that may be set in an examination) which will be marked by a member of academic staff as a feed-forward exercise for the end of module examination.
Students will be given the opportunity to take a mock examination questions; feedback will be given by peer assessment; this in turn will provide feed-forward preparation for the end of year examination.
Students will be offered the opportunity to submit a written summary of their journal club paper to obtain formative feedback to feedforward to the summative journal club oral presentation.
Summative assessment elements will be:
Written practical reports on three laboratory classes within the module, marked for accuracy of records, data quality and ability to critically discuss the results (10% each totalling 30%).
Journal club, which will require students to present and discuss their findings with their peers in a seminar setting (20%).
End of year examination (50%) to consist of extended essay and data interpretation questions.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Explain key cellular and molecular processes in neurobiology, and investigate selected processes experimentally. | End of year examination (S), Practical reports (S), Essay (F), Mock examination (F) |
| 2) Discuss the function of human sensory and motor systems in health and disease. | End of year examination (S), Journal club (S), Essay (F), Mock examination (F) |
| 3) Carry out and interpret laboratory experiments in selected areas of neuroscience. | Practical reports (S), Journal club (S) |
| 4) Critically evaluate current clinical and scientific literature on neurological diseases and their treatments. | End of year examination (S), Journal club (S), Essay (F) Mock examination (F) |
| 5) Assess selected experimental techniques used in neuroscience. | End of year examination (S), Journal club (S), Essay (F), Practical reports (S) Mock examination (F) |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Practical portfolio | Coursework | 30% |
| Journal club presentation | Practical exam | 20% |
| End of module examination | Written exam | 50% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Bear, Connors and Paradiso Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
Relevant journal articles will be recommended by lecturers on individual topics, and will form an indispensable core part of students' independent study within this module.