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LSC-20075 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

LSC-20075 - Neurone to Brain
Coordinator: Christopher Adams Room: N/A Tel: +44 1782 7 33943
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None.



Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

The Central Nervous System (CNS) is constructed of numerous individual neurones and non-neuronal cells which connect together to form complex networks. This module will explore the concept of brain cell networks, building from the general physiological properties of their diverse elements through to the complex networks within specific areas of the CNS. Over the course of this module students will also explore the functional mechanisms underlying specific cellular circuitries and how they integrate during sensory, motor and sensorimotor performance.



Aims
To provide an in-depth understanding of neuronal function starting with single neurones and building up to neuronal networks.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/lsc-20075/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe, discuss and evaluate the principal ultrastructural features of neurones and glial cells as studied by light and electron microscopy: 2
Critically discuss how groups of neurones are working together, from the structure and function of individual synapses to specific examples of natural neural networks: 2
Describe, discuss and evaluate the physiological and molecular properties of neurones and astrocytes at the single cell level and in functional groupings: 2
Critically evaluate a primary source journal article and answer questions related to the content of the paper: 1

Study hours

20 hours interactive lectures
9 hours interactive tutorials
121 hours of private study, which includes Paper Comprehension



School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Publication Based Paper weighted 30%
Paper Comprehension
Students are provided with the reference to a particular paper and a set of questions aimed at testing their understanding of the experimental rationale of the paper, the content and their ability to evaluate the experimental approaches. Students should pay careful attention to the number of points that each question is worth. In general, we would expect only one or two sentences for each point.

2: Open Book Examination weighted 70%
2-hour, open book assessment with an 8-hour window
The paper will be released on KLE at 9am on the morning of the exam. The paper consists 2 essays selected from 5. Students should address each topic, clearly labelling each chosen topic as they provide their answers. Work will be submitted to Turnitin no later than 5pm on the day of release. Although students have been given significant time to complete this exam script, we expect most students to spend no more than 2 hours on completion this assessment. Answers should be as accurate and concise as possible. Typical answers would be in the range of 500-750 words per topic. We recommend that students do not exceed 750 words per essay-based question as we will be assessing the quality of your answer, not the quantity.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024