Â鶹´«Ã½

-


BB50237: Molecular and medical neuroscience

Academic Year: 2018/9
Owning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Credits: 6      [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: CW 20%, EX 80%
Assessment Detail:
  • Critical evaluation (CW 20%)
  • Exam (EX 80%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: In taking this module you cannot take BB40082 OR take BB30044
Description: Aims:
To provide an advanced review of the molecular and cellular processes underlying intercellular communication in the nervous system to provide an understanding of the neurochemical basis of brain disorders, their causes and treatments.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this course the student should be able to:
* Describe the gross regional anatomy of the human brain and explain the properties of the various classes of receptors and ion channels present in the mammalian CNS, and how these molecules interact to co-ordinate neuronal activity.
* Explain a number of brain disorders in terms of their neurochemistry.
* Critically evaluate the scientific literature on allocated topics.

Skills:
Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Numeracy & computation T/F/A, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F.

Content:
Lectures: Receptors and ion channels- the existence of families and super-families. The structure of these various families of polypeptide. The functional consequences of this diversity and how it might be regulated at the gene and protein levels. Synthesis, release and uptake of neurotransmitters. Methods of studying human brain dysfunction. The altered neurochemistry of selected neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases will be reviewed, with respect to neurochemical aspects of their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Video presentations will illustrate some of the clinical conditions.
Programme availability:

BB50237 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2018/19 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2019/20 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2018/19.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Undergraduates: .
  • Postgraduates: .