BI3BI8-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:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Nandini Vasudevan
Email: n.vasudevan@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The aim of this course is to develop a 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.

Aims:
The aim of this course is to develop a 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:

1. Discuss key features of the cellular components of both the central and peripheral nervous system.


2. Discuss the structure of the central and peripheral nervous system


3. Understand the basic cellular and molecular processes underlying neuronal connectivity.


4. Describe how selected sensory systems operate at the cellular and molecular level, in the context of disease.


5. Describe key features of central nervous system damage and the potential of repair mechanism.


6. Describe key features of neurodegenerative diseases and the effects of hormones on neurobiology.


7. Describe how neural stem cells can be used as mediators of brain damage repair.

Additional outcomes:
Students will enhance their teamwork, communication time management skills, through practical work. There will also be an emphasis on reading primary literature to help develop research skills.

Outline content:

The course is composed of four major themes:

• Anatomical and functional description of the nervous system


• Communication and specialization in the nervous system, at a cellular and organ level.


• A systems based description of how selected sensory systems operate in the context of disease.


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

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The course will consist of approximately 10x2 hour lectures, where core module content will be delivered. One 2 hour practical has been designed so that students can further their understanding of neuro-anatomy during a brain dissection, as well as their understanding of the brain at a cellular level. Comprehensive reading lists will be provided allowing students to study in their own time.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Practicals classes and workshops		3
Guided independent study:		77
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	80
Class test administered by School	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Student groups will write a research proposal based on topics provided.  Topics provided will be based on course material taught in lectures.   This research proposal will be submitted in mid-April in lieu of a formal final exam for 80% of the grade.

Students will be assessed on their understanding of the neuroanatomy and material in the practicals in a written assignment. 

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that 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.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
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.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination in August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  Recommened reading lists will be supplied during the module

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  A lab coat will be required for the practical (hire £1, purchase £~13)

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 25 October 2023