Studying at York
The Neurobiology of Depression - PSY00076M
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2022-23 |
| B | Spring Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
In this course, we will examine the biological and brain basis of depression. Depression is a common and disabling health problem that leads to considerable disability for the individual and the community. It is the most common reason for claiming incapacity benefit in the UK and has been estimated to cost the UK billions of pounds per annum in lost productivity. This course has two aims. Firstly, we will seek to understand the biological mechanisms that malfunction in individuals with depression. Secondly, we will investigate how understanding these biological mechanisms can lead to better treatments.
This is a module with a STRONG biological component. If you have not enjoyed the neuroscience aspects of the Brain and Behavior strand in 1st and 2nd years then you are likely to find several aspects of this module challenging. We talk about the brain, neurochemistry and genetics and how a greater understanding of these factors can advance our understanding of depression. I strongly suggest you look at the papers in the indicative reading section below as these are typical of the content we will cover.
Each two hour seminar will be split into two halves. In the first half I will give a lecture focused on that weeks topic. In the second half, students will be required to give presentations on primary research papers related to the topic of the lectures. ALL STUDENTS will be required to present, if you are uncomfortable giving a presentation please contact me before you select this module. The aim of these presentations is to engage with primary research and to convey key points in a form that can be easily understood and used for revision.
Module learning outcomes
- Describe the brain mechanisms that malfunction in patients with depression
- Critically evaluate the differences between the experimental methods used to study depression and what they measure: these will include fMRI, PET, EEG and TMS.
- Critically evaluate the evidence detailing the putative neuro-chemical changes underlying depression
- Compare and contrast the pharmacological and behavioural methods used to diagnose and assess depression
- Describe and contrast the biological and environmental causes of depression
- Understand and describe the efficacy of anti-depressants drug treatments for depression
- Provide an informed evaluation of the efficacy of alternate treatments for depression such as CBT, ECT and TMS
Module content
The course consists of 8 Seminars. Each seminar examines the neurobiology of depression from a different perspective
- The Brain
- Cognition
- Neurochemistry
- Genetics.
- Pharmacology
- Brain Stimulation
- Behavioral Treatments
- Building Better Biomarkers
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark | Group |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 40 | A |
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 60 | A |
| Essay/coursework | 40 | B |
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 60 | B |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark | Group |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 40 | A |
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 60 | A |
| Essay/coursework | 40 | B |
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 60 | B |
Module feedback
The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision.
Indicative reading
Disner, Beevers, Haigh & Beck. (2011). Neural mechanisms of the cognitive model of depression. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 12, 467- 480.
Berton & Nestler. (2006). New approaches to antidepressant drug discovery: beyond monoamines. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 7, 137-51.