University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: BSc Hons Neuroscience and MRes Neuroscience students have priority on this module

Planned timetable: Lectures: 11.00 am - 12.00 noon Tue and 10.00 am - 11.00 am Fri.

Until recently the nervous system was viewed as a black and white world in which neuronal networks carried out tasks using fast chemical synaptic transmission to produce an appropriate network output. However the output of neuronal networks is not fixed but instead is modifiable under different behavioural or developmental circumstances. A major source of flexibility in the output neuronal networks derives from neuromodulation; a process in which the basic operation of the networks remains the same but the strengths of synaptic connections and the integrative electrical properties of neurons in the networks are changed by the actions of a range of neuromodulators. This module explores the diverse range of neuromodulatory mechanisms and outlines their importance in information processing in the nervous system.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass PN3313

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 seminars.

Scheduled learning hours: 24

Guided independent study hours: 126

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Continual assessment 30% (poster and viva) and 2hr Exam 70%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 70%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 30%

Re-assessment: Continual assessment 30% (poster and viva) and 2hr Exam 70%, applies to failed components only.

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr S R Pulver
Module teaching staff: Team Taught
Module coordinator email sp96@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• develop an understanding of the conceptual differences between neurotransmission and neuromodulation and the differences between extrinsic and intrinsic network neuromodulation
• demonstrate an understanding of key mechanisms through which neuromodulators affect the strength of chemical and electrical synapses
• demonstrate an understanding of some of the key mechanisms through which neuromodulators affect the electrical properties of neurons to transform the way in which they integrate information
• demonstrate knowledge of comparative approaches to the study of neuromodulation
• demonstrate knowledge of how different modulators act in concert to determine the overall output of a neuronal network