Studying at York
Neuroscience - BIO00048I
Module summary
The nervous system is an incredibly complex organ that controls all aspects of behaviour and hence defines who we are. Understanding how the brain works is one of the major scientific frontiers. This module will provide a foundation in neuroscience at the level of synapses, neurons, circuits and behaviour drawing on the nervous systems of humans and model organisms.
The knowledge and skills acquired in this module will prepare students for the research-led Advanced Topics in Neuroscience module in Stage 3.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
The overarching aim of the teaching and assessment of the module is to develop and test experimental design, data analysis and problem solving skills in neuroscience. These skills will be acquired through interactive lectures, workshops and independent activities that will prepare you for the open online assessment. We will first study the fundamental cell, molecular and electrophysiological properties of neurons and synapses and then consider how neuronal cells are organised to form a nervous system. The basic mechanisms of sensory input and processing will then be described, followed by how these systems co-ordinate movement. Finally, we will examine Parkinson's Disease as an example of nervous system dysfunction in relation to movement.
Module learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this module will have the ability to:
1. Describe the structure and function of the nervous system at the level of synaptic transmission, gross anatomy, circuitry, sensory input and processing.
2. Describe the mechanisms by which the nervous system controls voluntary movements and how these are disrupted in disease.
3. Describe scientific techniques and design experimental strategies for neuroscience research.
4. Synthesise ideas from across the module into coherent arguments.
5. Acquire, analyse, interpret and present experimental data.
6. Solve problems related to experimental neuroscience.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Module feedback
Marks for all summative assessments will be made available to you and your supervisor via e:vision. Feedback will be either individual or cohort-level, depending on the assessment format. You should take the opportunity to discuss your marks and feedback with your supervisor.
For exam-style summative assessment, model answers will be provided for all questions along with cohort-level feedback indicating how students answered questions in general. Marks achieved per question will be added to your script.
For coursework assessments (eg. reports or essays) you will receive individual feedback on your work. This will usually be in the form of a feedback sheet that will include suggestions for further improvement.
During the teaching of the module you will receive formative feedback that may be at a whole class or individual level. Such feedback may include: model answers and discussion of workshop questions, summaries of performance in practicals, VLE-based quizzes, individual spoken comments during workshops, individual written comments on formative work.
Indicative reading
These are available through the VLE module site.