2022/23 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BMSC3161 Intermediate Neuroscience

20 creditsClass Size: 10

Module manager: Dr Clare Tweedy
Email: c.tweedy@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2022/23

Pre-requisite qualifications

None

This module is mutually exclusive with

BMSC2118	Neurobiology
BMSC2121	Cognitive Neuroscience
BMSC2123	Sensory and Motor Neuroscience
BMSC2124	Neurotransmitters and Disease

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

- This module is designed to give medical students taking intercalating degrees in Neuroscience an understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system followed by exploration of 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.

Objectives

The aim of this module is to gain an understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system followed by exploration of 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 module will also explore the mechanisms for maintaining balance and upright posture, and the sensory receptors involved.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Describe and explain the central nervous system control of a range of physiological processes;
2. Describe the process of neurotransmission; understand and explain the criteria for molecules to be considered neurotransmitters;
3. Compare and contrast the synthesis, release and reuptake of a range of neurotransmitters in the body;
4. Describe the techniques used to visualize neurotransmitters, and the techniques available for recording neurotransmission electrophysiologically;
5. Compare and contrast the sensory receptors and pathways responsible for the sensation of pain, touch, audition, smell and vision;
6. Describe the pathways responsible for voluntary movement, the motor hierarchy and the control of voluntary movement;
7. Explain the mechanisms for maintaining balance and upright posture, and describe the sensory receptors involved.

Skills outcomes
Practical work involves exposure to relevant neuroscience research techniques.

Syllabus

- Fundamental biophysics including the resting potential and action potential;
- Synaptic communication including neurotransmitter synthesis, storage, release, transporters, and synaptic connections;
- Neurotransmitter receptors; ligand gated ion channels and G-protein coupled receptors;
- Neurotransmitters; Acetylcholine, Excitatory amino acids, catecholamines, Peptides, Serotonin, Inhibitory amino acids, Gasotransmitters;
- Neuroplasticity on the level of molecular, synaptic, and dendritic changes and neurogenesis.
- Physiology of the visual and auditory systems;
- Taste and olfaction pathways;
- Physiology of the somatosensory system;
- Pathways of pain and nociception
- Physiology of motor systems including voluntary movement and balance/posture.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	25	1.00	25.00
Practical	3	6.00	18.00
Seminar	7	1.00	7.00
Tutorial	3	1.00	3.00
Private study hours			147.00
Total Contact hours			53.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Students are expected to read textbooks and scientific journal articles (research papers and reviews) to supplement the information given in lectures and seminars.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative feedback will be provided in tutorial sessions which will be designed to support the lecture and seminar content of the module. Formative feedback will also be provided in practical sessions.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Practical Report	Laboratory report (8-page limit)	30.00
Essay	Essay	10.00
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
Online Time-Limited assessment	5 hr 00 mins	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		60.00

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: 01/09/2022

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