BMS224 - Brain and Behaviour (10 credits)
Module Co-ordinator: Dr M Juusola
Aims
This unit aims to provide a broad understanding of Neuroscience in terms of neurophysiology, molecular biology, genetics, model organisms and simple behaviours. It builds on the foundations of Neuroscience provided during the first year and leads to the more complex topics concerning higher brain function, behaviour and biological psychiatry and neurodegenerative disease in year 3.
Content
This unit aims to introduce students to the different disciplines that contribute towards the diverse field of Neuroscience. Students will learn about the different contributions of electrophysiology, genetics and molecular biology to our understanding of simple behaviours and brain function. They will gain insight into mechanisms of sensory processing and motor output, cognitive brain function and how genetic manipulations inform our knowledge of normal function and disease. Teaching and learning will take place in a formal lecture environment and will be supported by web-based materials.
Objectives
By the end of the unit, a candidate will be able to demonstrate knowledge of how different scientific disciplines converge on our understanding of Neuroscience. They should be able to:
- relate the different kinds of experimental information that can be derived from experimental studies on single neurons, brain slices and brain imaging techniques.
- discuss the different mechanisms of sensory reception and information processing in the auditory and visual systems.
- note the links between physiological events in single cells and simple behaviours in model organisms from invertebrates to mammals.
- relate physiological mechanisms to key aspects of learning and memory.
- note the links between physiological events in single cells with organ function and disease.
- note the ways in which genetic manipulations of model organisms can reveal cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying normal function and disease.
Teaching Methods
The module will involve lecture-based sessions and a tutorial supported by web-based material.
Assessment
One formal 11/2 hour paper made up of multiple choice and short answer questions. The MCQ component is a well-established and reliable method of assessing factual knowledge while the short notes allow assessment of topics in more depth. A guessing correction will be applied to the MCQ paper.