University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

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

Planned timetable: Lectures: 11.00 am - 12:30 pm Wed and 12.00 noon - 1.00 pm Fri. Practicals to be arranged.

Extensive and versatile communication between nerve cells using special junctions called synapses endows the nervous system with many complex functions like learning and memory. This module will cover important recent progress in understanding the morphology and ultrastructure of synapses, neurotransmitter corelease and recycling mechanisms, retrograde signalling, synaptic plasticity, the role of glial cells and the development of neurotransmission. Some laboratory work will provide students with hands-on experience of advanced research methods.

Relationship to other modules

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

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: A total of 7 x 1.5 hour seminars, 8 x 1 hour lectures and 1 x 3 hour practicals over 10 weeks

Scheduled learning hours: 21

Guided independent study hours: 128

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Continual assessment 30% (10% commentaries and 20% lab report) and 2hr Exam 70%

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

Re-assessment: Continual assessment 30% (10% commentaries and 20% lab report) and 2hr Exam 70%, applies to failed components only.

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr W Li
Module teaching staff: Team Taught
Module coordinator email wl21@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how neurotransmitters are released at chemical synapses
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how transmitters act on their pre- and postsynaptic targets to generate fast electrical signals
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how synaptic strength changes with neuronal activity and during development
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding on how different transmitters are coreleased at the same synapses.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding on transmitters are regulated by transporters.