This module teaches you about how evolutionary processes have shaped the nervous system, from simple invertebrates that possess a basic neural network, like a sea anemone, to vertebrates with their highly centralised nervous system. We take a tour of the different animal groups and piece together possible routes of evolution of the nervous system from the more primitive through to the more advanced living groups; how intelligence appears to have evolved like other traits using evidence from the fossil record. Moving to the present day, we then describe how the body builds its nervous system using anatomical, physiological and molecular biological data; we try to answer questions about how neurones grow, how synapses are made and pruned and how wiring develops with particular reference to vertebrate nervous systems. The module ends with a discussion of repair and regeneration (or lack of them!) in the nervous system and possible ways to enhance nervous system repair mechanisms in the future.
- Describe and explain how nervous tissue becomes organised in the vertebrate embryo and develops to produce the final structures of the adult nervous system.
- Describe and explain how the lineage of individual cells of the nervous system and their ultimate fates are determined.
- Discuss specific examples of plasticity, repair and regeneration in the nervous system.
- Discuss the evolution of nervous systems, from those of primitive invertebrate ancestors to modern day vertebrates.
- Prepare a practical report discussing similarities and differences in the development of nervous systems in three species - Branchiostoma (Amphioxus), Frog and Chick.
- Prepare answers to written tests based on videos - axonal pathfinding in development, making connections
21 Hours practical investigation
111 Hours private study
Essay under exam conditions.
Summative assessment procedures:
The in-course assessment is based on one practical write-up.
In course multiple choice examination.
End of module two hour examination consisting of three short answer questions, and one essay question selected from three titles
This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.