AP0519 - Principles of Neuroscience

What will I learn on this module?

This module develops your understanding of the principle of control of the nervous system over bodily functions. In addition, you will be introduced to the neuropathology of some common neurological problems. Topics covered will include neurodevelopment, the somatosensory and motor systems, the autonomic nervous system and its role in homeostatic control, the special senses such as vision, olfaction, gustation and audition, and memory and aging. This module will provide you with the basic knowledge required for understanding topics covered in more advanced neuroscience modules associated to the BSc Biology (Neurobiology) degree.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, practical exercises and independent learning. The lectures will provide you with the basic theories and concepts that will be further reinforced through directed learning for each topic covered. Practical exercises, hands-on and/or computer simulations, are specially designed to provide you with the necessary skills and abilities to handle and present scientific material and data. Independent learning will help you to consolidate your knowledge and understanding of taught topics and to support your performance in assessments.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

This module is delivered by a team of highly knowledgeable and experienced tutors who are always willing to answer and provide further support to you via the staff office hour’s system. All teaching materials will be available and accessible through the electronic learning platform (elp) will be posted ahead of lectures to allow you time to prepare for your lectures. Written feedback will be given to you on your formative practical and short answer question assignments allowing you to check your progress and in addition prepare you for your summative assessments.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk

You should be accessing and reading the latest editions of the following textbooks:
- Tortora G.J& Derrickson B.H. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. Wiley
- Bear M.F, Conners B.W & Paradiso M.A. Neuroscience: Exploring the brain. Lippincot Williams & Wilkins
- Siegel A & Sapru HN. Essential Neuroscience. Lippincot Williams & Wilkins
- Boron W.F & Boulpaep E. L. Medical Physiology. Saunders
- Netter FH. Atlas of Human Anatomy w/ netteranatomy.com - e book: Waxman, S G. Clinical neuroanatomy 26th ed. The McGraw-Hill Companies. Available through NU website. Series: Clinical
Page3
Neuroanatomy (Waxman)
- Haines. Neuroanatomy, an Atlas of structure, sections and systems. 7th ed. Lippincot Williams & Wilkins

(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be expected to identify the major neural aspects related to the principle of control of the nervous system over bodily functions in the normal state.
2. You will understand how some common neurological disorders arise.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You are expected to present experimental data in a suitable form and style providing a scientific argument supported by the literature.
4. You will acquire skills that enable you to provide a brief and concise written explanation of concepts covered in the module.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Enhance your curiosity of neuroscience.

How will I be assessed?

There are two elements of summative assessment in this module.
1. A final short answer question exam (SAQ; 50% of final module mark) will test your knowledge and understanding of the concepts and theories explained in the module. (MLO 1, 2, & 4)
2. You will be required to submit a practical report (50% of final module mark), written in the style of a scientific paper, which will cover material in the 2nd practical exercise. (MLO 1, 3 & 5)
For your formative assessment there will be two elements. The first will be a few practice SAQs, accessed through the electronic learning platform (eLP). Questions will be based around the lectures received in the two to three previous weeks. The second will be a practical report written in the style of a scientific paper, which will cover material in the 1st practical exercise. Your tutors will give you written feedback on the practice SAQs and practical report where you can track your progress as well as prepare for the summative assessment components.

Pre-requisite(s)

Anatomy and Physiology (Semester 2 at level 4)

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Neuroscience is a multidisciplinary field that harnesses elements of cell, molecular & developmental biology, neuroanatomy, physiology and pharmacology, which then facilitates understanding of how bodily functions can be controlled. In addition, it provides links to sciences of the mind: psychology and philosophy. In the ‘Principles of Neuroscience’ module, you can expect to gain a broad grounding in the subject area of Neuroscience, developing an understanding of how the nervous system and the cells that comprise it work to alter behaviour, motor activity, perception, mood and memory, as well as some emphasis on developmental neuroscience and diseases & disorders of the nervous system.

Course info

UCAS Code C100

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Applied Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024 or September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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