2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
BMSC1200 Biology of the Mind
10 creditsClass Size: 165
Module manager: Dr Clare Tweedy
Email: .
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
Pre-requisite qualifications
Biology , Chemistry or PE A level or equivalentThis module is mutually exclusive with
| BMSC1200T | Biology of the Mind (Teaching) |
This module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module will introduce learners to the foundational neuroscience concepts of structure and function, and how systems level function emerges. These concepts will be explained using examples drawn from across the human nervous system in health and disease, and from the experimental approaches used in neuroscience research.Objectives
Learners should have a basic understanding of the neuroscience core concepts of structure and function, and how system level functions emerge from discrete cellular, circuit, and network-level mechanisms and interactions.The objective of this module is to explain these concepts using examples drawn from the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, with deeper understanding developed through illustrating how they may be altered during development and pathology. The techniques used to study structure and function of the nervous system will also be used as examples throughout.
There will be an active learning sessions which will require learners to actively engage with the concepts and examples presented as pre-recorded screencasts prior to these sessions. The active learning session will allow for consolidation and discussion of the topics covered.
Learning outcomes
Explain the concepts of structure and function within the nervous system at the cellular, circuit, and network-level.
Describe how function of the nervous system can be measured experimentally.
Describe how structure and function of the nervous system can change during development and pathological dysfunction.
Demonstrate understanding of how concepts covered in this module link to concepts covered elsewhere in the programme.
Syllabus
To explain and promote understanding of the neuroscience core concepts of structure and function, and how system level functions emerge from discrete cellular, circuit, and network-level mechanisms and interactions, the following examples will be covered:
Organisation and basic anatomy of the nervous system
Techniques in neuroscience to study structure and function
The resting potential and action potential
Synaptic transmission, neurotransmitters, and their receptors
Sensory and motor systems
Higher cognitive function, learning, and memory
Neurodegenerative diseases and mental health disorders
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| e-Lecture | 15 | 1.00 | 15.00 |
| Seminar | 5 | 2.00 | 10.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 10.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 65.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 25.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Formative MCQs at the end of each unit to allow students to test their own understanding and for the module leader to provide additional resources in areas where the cohort show weakness.Methods of assessment
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 1 hr 00 mins | 100.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 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: 29/09/2023
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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