Introduction to Neuroscience
| Module title | Introduction to Neuroscience |
|---|---|
| Module code | NEU1006 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Joanna Surl (Convenor) Dr Emily Clements (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 200 |
|---|
Module description
The human brain is the most complex object in the known universe. Through its function, and that of the wider nervous system, we can respond to environmental stimuli and construct hypotheses about the world around us. These hypotheses, and many other aspects of our conscious experience, may then be shared through external communication. To begin your detailed exploration of these processes, this module introduces functional neuroanatomy, considers key features of molecular cell biology, describes synaptic transmission and plasticity, and addresses the modern methods for the exploration of cognition.
This module is mandatory for students on the BSc Neuroscience programme and optional for students on the BSc Medical Sciences and other related programmes.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module introduces four main aspects of contemporary Neuroscience:
1. Neuroanatomy
Cells of the Nervous System
Structure of the Nervous system Development of the Nervous System
2. Neurophysiology
Membranes
The action potential
3. Neuropharmacology
Neurotransmitter and receptor signalling
4. Synaptic function and memory
Synaptic function: pre and postsynaptic
Synaptic plasticity
Learning, memory, and behaviour
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Describe the basic structure of the mammalian nervous system, including the major anatomical divisions.
- 2. Outline how the different structures of the central and peripheral nervous systems connect with one another.
- 3. Identify the different cell types in the central and peripheral divisions of the nervous system; recognise their diverse developmental origins and functions.
- 4. Describe how the different cell types in the nervous system communicate with one another.
- 5. Describe the principles of membrane excitability, highlighting the role of ion channels in modulating permeability, and linking this to the generation and propagation of action potentials.
- 6. Describe the main neurotransmitters in the nervous system and their receptors; focusing on metabotropic and ionotropic receptors, give examples of how they may influence cellular signalling, homeostasis, and cell behaviour.
- 7. Describe how synaptic communication occurs and can be modulated at presynaptic terminals, across the synaptic cleft, and at the postsynaptic membrane.
- 8. Outline non-associative and associative learning.
- 9. Understand how neural signalling can be modulated by drugs, using identified examples such as alcohol, to influence brain activity, homeostasis, physiology and behaviour.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 10. Describe some key modern research techniques commonly used in neuroscience.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 11. Effective written communication of scientific concepts.
- 12. Demonstrate appropriate assimilation of constructive comments to improve academic performance.
- 13. Develop the necessary skills for self-directed learning.
Syllabus plan
The module’s precise content will vary from year to year, but the following information gives a detailed description of the typical overall structure:
There is a lecture every week, covering sequentially the topics described above (in the Module Aims section) and delivered by a suitably qualified member of staff. In the first week, there is an additional lecture to describe the module in detail, including the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs), assessment procedures, and other practicalities. The module will end with a module wrap lecture, to recap over the concepts covered in the year.
Each teaching block will also include at least one two-hour workshop and one question-and-answer session to consolidate key concepts covered in each teaching block.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 26 | 124 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 12 | Lectures (12 x 1 hour) |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 13 | Workshops (4 x 2 hours + 5 x 1 hour) related to lecture content |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 1 | Workshop (1 x 1 hours) relating to preparation for assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | 10 | Lecture preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | 10 | Lecture review and reflection |
| Guided Independent Study | 35 | Data interpretation preparation and writing |
| Guided Independent Study | 14 | Data interpretation review and reflection |
| Guided Independent Study | 35 | Revision |
| Guided Independent Study | 20 | Wider reading |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data interpretation portfolio | 500 words | 1-13 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination: Multiple Choice and Short Answer questions. | 60 | 2 hours | 1-13 | Oral (on request) |
| Data interpretation portfolio | 40 | 2 x 1000 words | 1-13 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination: Multiple Choice and Short Answer questions (60%) | Examination: Multiple Choice and Short Answer questions (2 hours) | 1-13 | Referral/Deferral Period |
| Data interpretation portfolio (40%) | Data interpretation portfolio (2 x 1000 words) | 1-13 | Referral/Deferral Period |
Re-assessment notes
Students who are deferred or referred in the coursework will submit in the ref/def period a new equivalent assessment.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
You do not need to read this material before the module, it is provided here simply to give you a sense of the type of information we will cover.
There is no need to buy the books: all of them are available to you in either the University Library or the Life Sciences Resource Centre.
Additional specific reading will be recommended as part of the module’s delivery.
Basic reading:
1. ‘From Neuron to Brain’ 65th Edition (20121), MartinNicholls et al, ISBN: 9781605359335 978-0878936090. Encouraged to consult Parts I to IV and, VI and VII.
2. Principles of Neural Science, 56th Edition (202112), Eric Kandall and James Schwartz. ISBN: 9781259642241 978-0-07-139011-8. Encouraged to consult Parts I to IIIIV, and VII-VIII.
3. ‘Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology’ 108th Edition (201524), Rang et al, ISBN: 9780323873987978-0702053627
4. ‘Barr's The Human Nervous System: An Anatomical Viewpoint’ 10th Edition (20143), Kiernan and Rajakumar, ISBN: 978-1451173277
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | N/A |
| Module co-requisites | N/A |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 21/07/2014 |
| Last revision date | 21/02/2025 |
