Neurodevelopment

Module title	Neurodevelopment
Module code	NEU3009
Academic year	2025/6
Credits	15
Module staff	Dr Nikolas Nikolaou (Convenor) Dr Joanna Surl (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	12

Number students taking module (anticipated)	50

Module description

The human brain is an extraordinarily complex structure. It allows us to perceive and evaluate our environment, interact with it, and ultimately have a conscious experience. And yet, the brain originates from the tip of a 3mm tubular structure called the neural tube. By looking at the development of the nervous system, we can gain a better understanding of its structure, its function, and how neurodevelopmental disorders can arise.

In this module you will explore of how cells in the embryo become neural, specialise, and start making connections to ultimately create the functional nervous system. You will also look at how alterations in these processes can lead to pathology.

This module is optional for students studying BSc Neuroscience. Students on other programmes may also take this module subject to capacity. If you have not studied the preliminary content, you should be able to successfully complete this module by undertaking some additional study, but you should discuss this further with your Academic Tutor and the Module Convenor.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The overall aim of the module is to gain an understanding of how the nervous system develops from a simple embryonic structure to a fully functional adult nervous system, and how this information can be used to inform our understanding of its structure and function.

Through lectures and seminars, you will develop an in-depth understanding of the different stages of development that the nervous system goes through. Critically, you will begin to recognise how dysfunction in key mechanisms can result in the development of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Overall, this module will enhance your transferrable skills by helping to develop your strengths in critical appraisal and in oral communication.

This module aligns with sustainable development goal (SDG) 3, good health and wellbeing.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. Examine and distinguish the major processes of nervous system formation
2. Present current models of the mechanisms of neural plate specification and patterning, neuronal cell type specification, neuronal cell survival and axon guidance
3. Evaluate the developmental and activity-depended mechanisms that lead to synapse formation, function and refinement, by drawing examples from various model systems
4. Infer how dysregulation of neurodevelopmental mechanisms can lead to the development of neurodevelopmental disorders

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

5. Apply understanding of neurobiological mechanisms to pathological situations
6. Synthesise, and critically evaluate, primary and secondary sources of information

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

7. Collaborate effectively with others and contribute to scientific discussions
8. Communicate ideas effectively by oral means
9. Visually summarise information

Syllabus plan

The module’s precise content will vary from year to year, but the following information describes its typical structure.

Lectures

An introductory lecture will outline the broad aims of the module, its weekly structure, assessment processes and other practicalities.

For the following weeks, there will be a series of lectures on neurodevelopment. Each week will consist of a one-hour lecture.

Lectures will broadly cover the following subjects:

Introduction to the nervous system
Origins of neural plate
Cell proliferation and stem cells in the nervous system
Neurogenesis and gliogenesis
Specification of neurons
Axon guidance
Neuronal and glial survival
Dendritic growth, synaptic targeting and specificity
Synaptogenesis, function and refinement
Experience dependent development

In the final week of the module there will be a one-hour session providing you with details on the assessment and preparation support.

Seminars

During seminars you will be looking at neurodevelopmental disorders, linking the disorders with key concepts covered during the lectures. Example topics include autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, epilepsy, dyslexia, schizophrenia, and foetal alcohol syndrome.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
30	120	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	12	Lectures (12 x 1 hour)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	18	Seminars (9 x 2 hours)
Guided Independent Study	60	Preparation for Lectures, Seminars, Exams and wider reading
Guided Independent Study	30	Preparation for group poster presentations
Guided Independent Study	30	Preparation for individual poster

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Group poster presentation	20 min + 5 min questions	1-8	Written

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Group poster and presentation	30	20 min + 5 min questions	1-8	Written
Individual poster and discussion	70	A0 poster + 15 min discussion	1-6, 8	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
Group poster and presentation	Recorded PowerPoint presentation of individual part (30%)	1-8	Referral/Deferral Period
Individual poster and discussion	A0 poster (70%)	1-6, 8	Referral/Deferral Period

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Neurodevelopment specific textbooks:

Sanes, DH., Reh, TA. and Harris, WA (2019). Development of the Nervous System. 4th edition. Academic Press
Price, DJ. and Willshaw, D (2000). Mechanisms of Cortical Development. Oxford University Press
Price, D., Jarman, A., Mason, J. & Kind, P., (2017). Building Brains. 2nd edition. John Wiley & Son Ltd

Non-neurodevelopment specific textbooks:

Gilbert S., Barresi M., (2020). Developmental Biology. 12^th edition. Oxford University Press
Purves D et al., (2017). Neuroscience. 6^th edition. Oxford University Press

Key words search

Neurodevelopment, development, neuroscience

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
Module pre-requisites	None
Module co-requisites	None
NQF level (module)	6
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	20/02/2025