Neurobiology

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences

Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]

Level:6

Terms in which taught: Spring term module

Pre-requisites:

Non-modular pre-requisites:

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Module version for: 2014/5

Module Convenor: Prof Ketan Patel

Email: ketan.patel@reading.ac.uk

Summary module description:

Aims:

The aim of this course is to develop comprehensive picture of the nervous system. This will be achieved by delivering a broad ranging course on neurobiology that covers molecular, cellular, systematic aspects of neurobiology.

Assessable learning outcomes:

? At the end of this course students should be able to:

(i) Discuss key features of the cellular components of both the central and peripheral nervous system.

(ii) Discuss the histology of the central and peripheral nervous system

(iii) Understand the cellular and molecular processes underlying neuronal development and connectivity.

(iv) Discuss the mechanism by which an action potential is generated and propagated along a cell and between cells.

(v) Describe how motor, sensory, taste, olfaction, vestibular, auditory and visual systems operate at the cellular and molecular level.

(vi) Describe key features of central nervous system damage and the potential of repair mechanism.

(vii) Describe key features of neurodegenerative diseases.

(viii) Describe how neural stem cells can be used as mediators of brain damage repair.

Additional outcomes:

Students will enhance their team work, communication and presentational skills by addressing specific subject matters culminating in an oral presentation in a clear, concise and accessible manner to the rest of the class. Students will also have developed time management skills.

Students will be expected to present their results form practicals in the form of a written scientific communication. This exercise will involve information handling and problem-solving skills both of which should be improved as a consequence of fulfilling this assignment. IT skills will be enhanced by the necessity to use web resources.

Outline content:

The course is composed of four major themes:

? Anatomical and function description of the nervous system

? Development of the nervous system.

? A systems based description of the working of the sensory, motor, taste, olfaction, visual, vestibular and auditory functions.

? Neuropathology and development of strategies to repair cell damage/loss.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The course will consist of twelve 50 minute lectures. In addition the there will be five directed learning sessions in which the students will develop ideas raised in the lectures. Particular emphasise will be placed on understanding diseases caused by defects in the development of the nervous system by genetic abnormalities or by environmental influences. Seminars will be used to discuss new developments in Neurobiology in a small group setting. Each group present their finding on selected topics to the rest of the class as a board talk or as a PowerPoint presentation. An open discussion will be held after each presentation. Feedback will be given at the end of each session to the groups. Five practicals have been designed that range from understanding the cellular organisation of nerve cells, to dissecting the brain to identify differing parts and related these to their function to measuring brain activity and examining the workings of the brain using powerful non-invasive imaging techniques (fMRI). The results from practical work will be written up by the students in the form of a structured report form. All practical reports will be assessed for content, presentation, and feedback provided. Comprehensive reading lists will be provided allowing students to study in their own time.

Contact hours:

Spring

Lectures 19

Seminars 9

Practicals classes and workshops 12

Guided independent study 60

Total hours by term 100.00

Total hours for module 100.00

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method Percentage

Written exam 70

Report 15

Class test administered by School 15

Other information on summative assessment:

1 write-up based on a practical session (15%) and MCQ test (15%)

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.

where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Length of examination:

A two-hour examination requiring answers to two questions out of four.

Requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination in August/September only.

Last updated: 8 October 2014