Introduction to Neuroscience
| Module title | Introduction to Neuroscience |
|---|---|
| Module code | NEU1006 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Joanna Surl (Lecturer) Dr Juan Carlos Mendez Nunez (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 0 | 11 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 200 |
|---|
Module description
The human brain is the most complex object in the known universe. Through its function, and that of the wider nervous system, we can respond to environmental stimuli and construct hypotheses about the world around us. These hypotheses, and many other aspects of our conscious experience, may then be shared through external communication. To begin your detailed exploration of these processes, this module introduces functional neuroanatomy, considers key features of molecular cell biology, describes synaptic transmission and plasticity, and addresses the modern methods for the exploration of cognition.
This module is mandatory for students on the BSc Neuroscience programme and optional for students on the BSc Medical Sciences and other related programmes.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module introduces five main aspects of contemporary Neuroscience:
1. Neuroanatomy
The structure of nervous systems
An introduction to neurodevelopment
2. Neuropharmacology
Core concepts in pharmacology
Key receptor systems in neural structures
3. Signal transduction and processing
Principles of membrane excitability
The physiology of synapses
4. Learning and memory
Synaptic plasticity
Memory types and their corresponding systems
5. Cognitive neuroscience
Historical background
Modern neuroscientific tools and techniques
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Describe the basic structure of the mammalian nervous system, including the major anatomical divisions.
- 2. Outline how the different structures of the central and peripheral nervous systems connect with one another.
- 3. Identify the different cell types in the central and peripheral divisions of the nervous system; recognise their diverse developmental origins and functions.
- 4. Describe how the different cell types in the nervous system communicate with one another.
- 5. Describe the principles of membrane excitability, highlighting the role of ion channels in modulating permeability, and linking this to the generation and propagation of action potentials.
- 6. Describe the main neurotransmitters in the nervous system and their receptors; focusing on metabotropic and ionotropic receptors, give examples of how they may influence cellular signalling, homeostasis, and cell behaviour.
- 7. Describe how synaptic communication occurs and can be modulated at presynaptic terminals, across the synaptic cleft, and at the postsynaptic membrane.
- 8. Outline non-associative and associative learning.
- 9. Outline non-associative and associative learning.
- 10. Explain the application of experimental methods for measuring neural membrane properties in the laboratory.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 11. Describe some key modern research techniques commonly used in neuroscience.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 12. Communicate scientific concepts effectively using oral, written and other media.
- 13. Demonstrate appropriate assimilation of constructive comments to improve academic performance.
- 14. Interact effectively in a group.
- 15. Develop the necessary skills for self-directed learning.
Syllabus plan
The module’s precise content will vary from year to year, but the following information gives a detailed description of the typical overall structure:
Lectures
There is a lecture every week, covering sequentially the topics described above (in the Module Aims section) and delivered by a suitably qualified member of staff. In the first week, there is an additional lecture to describe the module in detail, including the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs), assessment procedures, and other practicalities. The final week of the module has a consolidation workshop to help with exam preparation, in which, together with your peers, you will choose which topic areas you would like to re-visit.
For each teaching block you will be provided with some focus points to help shape your self-directed learning. You can discuss these with your peers via an online discussion forum. There will be a question-and-answer session at the end of each teaching block where the answers to these focus points will be presented.
Seminar group presentation
You will meet other members of your seminar group for two hours, with the session facilitated by a member of the Neuroscience staff. During the session, you will deliver a five-minute PowerPoint presentation where you will pitch the ideas for, and structure of, your summative essay. After the session, you will receive feedback from the facilitator and your peers. You should use the feedback during your self-directed learning. Your presentation will be focused on one or more of the module’s core themes, as identified in the Module Aims section.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 27 | 123 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 15 | Lectures (15 x 1 hour) |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 6 | Workshops (7 x 1 hour) related to lecture content |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 6 | Seminars (3 x 2 hours) relating to preparation for assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | 10 | Lecture preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | 10 | Lecture review and reflection |
| Guided Independent Study | 20 | Essay writing |
| Guided Independent Study | 25 | Essay preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | 10 | Seminar group review and reflection |
| Guided Independent Study | 30 | Revision |
| Guided Independent Study | 18 | Wider reading |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar group presentation | 5 minutes | 1-15 | Oral |
| Online practice MCQs | At least 30 spread through the module | 1-11 | Online model answers |
| Past exam paper | 2 hours | 1-11 | Online model answers |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination: Multiple Choice and Short Answer questions. | 60 | 2 hours | 1-13, 15 | Oral (on request) |
| Essay | 40 | 1200 words | 1-15 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination: Multiple Choice and Short Answer questions (60%) | Examination: Multiple Choice and Short Answer questions (2 hours) | 1-13, 15 | Ref/Def period |
| Essay (40%) | Essay (1200 words) | 1-15 | Ref/Def period |
Re-assessment notes
If you cannot participate in the small group presentation, you must provide mitigation for your absence to obtain a deferral. In the case of deferral of the small group presentation formative assessment, students will be required to provide a 5-minute recorded PowerPoint presentation.
Students with Individual Learning Plans referencing difficulties in group presentation will be offered the option to record their PowerPoint presentation.
Students who are deferred in any element of the coursework will submit the original assessment.
Students who are referred in the coursework will submit in the ref/def period a new equivalent assessment e.g., an essay on a new topic from the one originally assessed.
Please also refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
You do not need to read this material before the module, it is provided here simply to give you a sense of the type of information we will cover.
There is no need to buy the books: all of them are available to you in either the University Library or the Life Sciences Resource Centre.
Additional specific reading will be recommended as part of the module’s delivery.
Basic reading:
1. ‘From Neuron to Brain’ 5th Edition (2012), Nicholls et al, ISBN: 978-0878936090. Encouraged to consult Parts I to IV, VI and VII.
2. Principles of Neural Science, 5th Edition (2012), Eric Kandal and James Schwartz. ISBN: 978-0-07-139011-8. Encouraged to consult Parts I to IV, and VIII.
3. ‘Pharmacology’ 8th Edition (2015), Rang et al, ISBN: 978-0702053627
4. ‘Barr's The Human Nervous System: An Anatomical Viewpoint’ 10th Edition (2013), Kiernan and Rajakumar, ISBN: 978-1451173277
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | N/A |
| Module co-requisites | N/A |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 21/07/2014 |
| Last revision date | 13/12/2023 |
