University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: Lectures: 12.00 pm Mon, Tue and Wed Practicals: to be arranged.

This module covers biochemical, cellular and behavioural aspects of the nervous system in health and disease. It starts with understanding of neuronal survival and loss, followed by the basic biochemistry of neural membrane proteins such as receptors and channels, and considers the cellular mechanisms of action potential generation and propagation, and synaptic transmission. The physiology of sensory perception is illustrated by examining the visual system, while motor control is considered in terms of vertebrate locomotion. Selected aspects of learning and memory processes are also examined. Students are given hands-on experience of computer simulation as a learning tool in this course. The associated practical work illustrates the lecture course through experiments on the nerve impulse, optogenetics and mechanisms of neuronal cell loss.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass BL2301 and pass PN2202

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 29 hours of lectures or tutorials in total, 3 x 3-hour practicals and 4 hours of computer simulation labs during the semester.

Scheduled learning hours: 42

Guided independent study hours: 158

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Continual assessment 40% (15% lab report 1 and 25% lab report 2) and 2hr Exam 60%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 60%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 40%

Re-assessment: Continual assessment 40% (15% lab report 1 and 25% lab report 2) and 2hr Exam 60%. Applies to failed components only

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr A E Smith
Module teaching staff: Team Taught
Module coordinator email aes29@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• demonstrate knowledge of how individual neurons work
• demonstrate knowledge of how neurons communicate with each other
• demonstrate knowledge on how the nervous system receives information from the environment and how the nervous system can store this information
• demonstrate knowledge of how neural interactions can generate behaviour
• demonstrate how the methodologies are used to explore both the cellular properties of individual neurons and the circuit properties of neuronal networks