LSC-30053 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

In this module, you will learn about the special senses i.e., vision, hearing, balance, smell, and taste.
You will be able to explain transduction (how the effective stimulus is converted into electrical signals in the periphery), transmission (how these signals are conveyed to the brain), processing (how the nervous system analyses the information) and perception (what aspects of the stimulus humans become aware of).
You will also learn about the aetiopathology and cellular and molecular mechanisms behind common diseases and disorders of special senses as well as neurological disorders that affect special senses.
You will be able to critically evaluate a research paper in the field and enhance your understanding about advances in research and discovery.

To provide an in-depth understanding of the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuropathology of human special senses, focusing on transduction, transmission, processing and perception of sensory stimuli and associated pathologies.

Intended Learning Outcomes

evaluate how the special sensory systems perform their physiological functions: 1
compare and contrast the cellular and molecular mechanisms of sensory transduction and processing in the special senses and associated pathologies: 1
analyse, summarise and evaluate concisely a selected research paper drawing on module-acquired knowledge where necessary: 1

Study hours

Active learning:
11x2h recorded lectures, lecture notes and supplementary materials
11x2h tutorials
3x1h workshop (journal comprehension)
Independent study:
2h open book exam (within the 28hr window)
101 hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment