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2024/25 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 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Biology , Chemistry or PE or Psychology A level or equivalent

This module is mutually exclusive with

BMSC1200TBiology 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 typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
e-Lecture151.0015.00
Seminar52.0010.00
Independent online learning hours10.00
Private study hours65.00
Total Contact hours25.00
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 typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment1 hr 00 mins100.00
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 website

Last updated: 25/07/2024

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