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2022/23 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BMSC2235 Molecular Neuroscience

10 creditsClass Size: 200

Module manager: Professor Nikita Gamper
Email: n.gamper@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2022/23

Pre-requisite qualifications

Satisfactory completion of a Level 1 BMS programme, or equivalent.

Pre-requisites

BMSC2118Neurobiology
BMSC2123Sensory and Motor Neuroscience
BMSC2124Neurotransmitters and Disease

Module replaces

BMSC2222

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Student will gain an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying plasticity within the nervous system. This will include the phenomena of memory and learning, the role of the amygdala in emotional processing and the molecular mechanisms of pain. In addition the module will cover the key methods and approaches used in modern neuroscience research for investigations of neuronal signalling and plasticity.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying plasticity within the nervous system, give examples of model systems and methods for studying neuronal signalling and synaptic plasticity.

Specific objectives will be to gain understanding of phenomena of memory and learning, of role of the amygdala in emotional processing and of the molecular mechanisms of pain.

An important objective of the module is to develop an understanding of key methods and approaches used in modern neuroscience research for investigations of neuronal signalling and plasticity.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students will know the molecular techniques and the model systems used to study neuronal signalling and plasticity; the molecular mechanisms responsible for synaptic plasticity, the role of brain areas in emotional processing, learning and memory, mechanisms of pain.


Syllabus

Synaptic plasticity, neuronal signalling, memory & learning, emotions, pain mechanisms.

Molecular techniques, cloning, detection and quantification of DNA and mRNA, expression of genes in model systems, transgenic mice, inducible knockouts, siRNA knockdown, viral delivery, LTP and LTD, behavioural tests.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Student-led discussion41.004.00
Lecture141.0014.00
Independent online learning hours18.00
Private study hours64.00
Total Contact hours18.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

Independent online learning:
- Online data interpretation tutorials: 10 hours
- Online formative MCQ: 8 hours.

Private Study:
- Reading for lecture (2 x 14): 28 hours
- Preparation for in course assessment: 12 hours
- Exam Preparation: 24 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

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

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
In-course AssessmentWorkbook Part A: Analysis and problem solving workbook5.00
In-course AssessmentWorkbook Part B: Analysis and problem solving workbook25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)30.00

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


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment2 hr 20 mins70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)70.00

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: 05/04/2023 13:34:37

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