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2009/10 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
BMSC3135 Neuroscience Techniques I
20 creditsClass Size: 40
Module manager: Prof Jim Deuchars
Email: J.Deuchars@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2009/10
Pre-requisites
| BMSC2203 | CNS Physiology |
| BMSC2303 | Experimental Techniques in Neuroscience |
Module replaces
BMSC3130This module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
On completion of this module students should be able to:- comprehend the basic biophysics of neurones;
- describe a broad range of electrophysiological techniques for neuroscientific investigations e.g. patch clamp recordings, extracellular, intracellular, field potentials, iontophoresis;
- demonstrate an understanding of contemporary neuroanatomical techniques, particularly immunohistochemistry;
- critically analyse the above experimental approaches and determine their appropriateness for a specified scientific study;
- understand basic laboratory procedures and safety issues;
- make up physiological buffers and solutions to appropriate concentrations;
- use laboratory equipment to record and analyse experimental data;
- perform image analysis using a fluorescent microscope and image capture system;
- interpret results in the light of previous experimental work;
- write a report in the style of a scientific paper.
In addition students will increase their ability in the following personal and transferable skills:
- team work during laboratory sessions;
- written communications in laboratory write-ups;
- independent learning analysis of primary literature;
- time management via time-limited problem solving exercises.
Syllabus
The approaches used in neuroscientific investigations have multiplied considerably in the last two decades, leading to an exponential increase in our knowledge of the nervous system. An understanding of these methods is essential to comprehend how scientific advances are made. In this module we will examine how some of these diverse experimental procedures are used to probe the workings of the nervous system. Discussion will encompass analysis of electrophysiological and neuroanatomical techniques. For each technique, the advantages/disadvantages and appropriateness to solving particular scientific problems will be discussed. There will also be a strong practical component to the module - students will perform experiments, collect and analyse original data and produce a report on the laboratory sessions in the form of scientific papers. Assessment will be in-course only.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 2 | 1.00 | 2.00 |
| Practical | 8 | 8.00 | 64.00 |
| Private study hours | 134.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 66.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
8 hours - reading for lectures16 hours - analysis of laboratory data and preparation of publication quality figures
110 hours - laboratory write up: (2 x 55 hours)
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- 2 x laboratory write ups in style of scientific papers (approx 2,500 word limit).- One mid module and one 2 weeks after last practical, at end of term.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Written Work | Lab write up 1 | 50.00 |
| Written Work | Lab write up 2 | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 25/05/2010
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