2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BMSC2118 Neurobiology

20 creditsClass Size: 250

Module manager: Dr Philippa Garner
Email: P.E.Garner@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

Satisfactory completion of level 1 of a BMS programme, or equivalent

Pre-requisites

BMSC1210

Biology of the Mind

This module is mutually exclusive with

BMSC2123

Sensory and Motor Neuroscience

Module replaces

BMSC2104 Neurotransmitters, BMSC2203 CNS Physiology

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module introduces the micro and macroscopic structure of the human nervous system and explains the central nervous system control of a range of physiological processes. It describes the process of neurotransmission, the criteria for molecules to be considered neurotransmitters and the synthesis, release and reuptake of a range of neurotransmitters in the body. Techniques used to visualize neurotransmitters, and record neurotransmission electrophysiologically will be introduced. The sensory receptors and pathways responsible for the sensation of pain, touch, audition, smell and vision will be described along with the pathways responsible for voluntary movement, the motor hierarchy and the control of voluntary movement. The module will also explore the mechanisms for maintaining balance and upright posture, and the sensory receptors involved.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the micro and macroscopic structure of the human nervous system;
- describe and explain the central nervous system control of a range of physiological processes through the study of CNS anatomy and physiology;
- describe the process of neurotransmission; understand and explain the criteria for molecules to be considered neurotransmitters;
- describe the synthesis, release and reuptake of a range of neurotransmitters in the body;
- describe the techniques used to visualize neurotransmitters, and the techniques available for recording neurotransmission electrophysiologically;
- describe the sensory receptors and pathways responsible for the sensation of pain, touch, audition, smell and vision;
- describe the pathways responsible for voluntary movement, the motor hierarchy and the control of voluntary movement;
- explain the mechanisms for maintaining balance and upright posture, and describe the sensory receptors involved.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students will know :
- the structure of the brain and spinal cord;
- the process of synaptic communication;
- the mechanisms of synthesis and role of a range of neurotransmitters;
- the physiology of the sensory and movement pathways;
- and the techniques used to study neurotransmitter function.

Syllabus

- Organisation of the brain and spinal cord
- Cell types and synapses
- Synaptic communication - Chemical neurotransmission, synthesis, storage release, transporters synaptic connections
- Resting membrane potential and electrophysiology techniques
- Neurotransmitter receptors; ligand gated ion channels and G-protein coupled receptors
- Neurotransmitters; Acetylcholine, Excitatory amino acids, Biogenic amines, Peptides, Serotonin, Inhibitory amino acids
- Cerebral Cortex anatomy/physiology
- Midbrain and diencephalon
- Biogenic amines
- Audio/visual physiology
- Taste and olfaction pathways
- Somatosensory system
- Pain and nociception
- Spinal cord and hindbrain
- Motor pathways
- Balance/Posture
- Labyrinth function (practical demonstration)
- Basal ganglia and cerebellum
- Motor pathways and voluntary movement
- Neuronal disease

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Class tests, exams and assessment	2	1.00	2.00
Lecture	30	1.00	30.00
Seminar	2	1.00	2.00
Independent online learning hours			26.00
Private study hours			140.00
Total Contact hours			34.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Independent online learning:
- Online data interpretation tutorials 20 hours
- Online formative MCQ 6 hours

Private Study:
- Reading for lecture (2 x 30) 60 hours
- Preparation for seminar (2 x 2) 4 hours
- Preparation for blended learning (2 x 4) 8 hours
- Preparation for essay 10 hours
- Preparation for assessed spot-test 10 hours
- Exam Preparation 43 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored by a formative essay, formative online MCQs and formative online data interpretation problems, and by in-course summative essay and summative workbook.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course Assessment	Anatomy Spot-test	25.00
Essay	Open-book examination	15.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		40.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		60.00

BMSC2123 shares exam content

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 21/07/2017

Disclaimer

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