2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
BMSC2123 Sensory and Motor Neuroscience
10 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
Students are expected to have passed BMSC1210 Biology of the Mind or SPSC1222 Neuroscience for Exercise SciencePre-requisites
| BMSC1210 | Biology of the Mind |
| SPSC1222 | Neuroscience for Exercise Science |
This module is mutually exclusive with
| BMSC2118 | Neurobiology |
This module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module explains the central nervous system control of a range of physiological processes. It describes the process of neurotransmission, and the criteria for molecules to be considered neurotransmitters. Techniques used to record neurotransmission electro physiologically will be introduced. The sensory receptors and pathways responsible for the sensation of pain, touch, audition, smell and vision will be described. The pathways responsible for voluntary movement, the motor hierarchy and the control of voluntary movement, and the mechanisms for maintaining balance and upright posture, and the sensory receptors involved, will be explored.The impact of neurodegenerative diseases on these functions will be studied.Objectives
On completion of this module students will know :- the process of synaptic communication;
- the physiology of the sensory and movement pathway;
- the core elements of a range of neurodegenerative diseases.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- describe and explain the central nervous system control of a range of physiological processes through the study of CNS physiology;
- 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;
- discuss a range of diseases of the brain, and the structural and mechanistic changes underlying them.
Skills outcomes
This module will allow students to develop their understanding of neurotransmission, and the CNS and its role in our interactions with the outside world. It will provide a foundation level understanding of neurodegenerative diseases which will allow students to study these topics at a higher level later in the year.
Syllabus
Syllabus content
- Synaptic communication - Chemical neurotransmission, synthesis, storage release, transporters synaptic connections
- Resting membrane potential and electrophysiology techniques
- Cerebral Cortex anatomy/physiology
- Audio/visual physiology
- Taste and olfaction pathways
- Somatosensory system
- Pain and nociception
- Motor pathways
- Balance/Posture
- Labyrinth function (practical demonstration)
- Motor pathways and voluntary movement
- Neuronal disease
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Class tests, exams and assessment | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Lecture | 20 | 1.00 | 20.00 |
| Seminar | 1 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 15.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 62.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 23.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Private study
Independent online learning:- Online data interpretation tutorials 10 hours
- Online formative MCQ 5 hours
Private Study:
- Reading for lecture (2 x 20) 40 hours
- Preparation for essay 10 hours
- Exam Preparation 12 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 |
| Essay | Open book exam | 25.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 25.00 | |
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) (S1) | 1 hr 30 mins | 75.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 75.00 | |
BMSC2118 will have an overlapping paper.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 21/07/2017
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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