School of Life Sciences  
 
 
LSC-30005 Neurobiology of Vision and Hearing  
Co-ordinator: Dr Michael Evans    Room: Hux165, Tel:33594  
Teaching Team: Mrs Janet  Norton  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 3 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office: Tel: 01782 734414
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
Biology Major (Level 3)
Biology Minor (Level 3)
Neuroscience Minor (Level 3)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Prerequisites
None.
Barred Combinations
LSC-30005 Neurobiology of Vision and Hearing may not be taken with LSC-30017 Trees in their Environment.
Description

Vision and hearing are arguably the two most important human senses. In this module, we will examine the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of vertebrate visual and auditory systems, from sensory transduction in the retina and cochlea to cortical processing and integration of sensory information within specific brain regions. The module is taught as a series of lectures linked with interactive tutorials. The tutors have active research programmes in this area of neuroscience, and recent relevant research papers are discussed during the module. Assessment is via a scientific paper comprehension test and end of module exam.
Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.

http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/lsc-30005/lists
Aims
To provide an in-depth grounding in the neurophysiology and neuroanatomy of the vertebrate sensory systems of vision and hearing, covering the retina, visual pathways and visual cortex (mainly primate vision), and the mammalian ear, cochlear nerve, auditory brainstem and higher auditory centres.
Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, successful students will be able to:

Describe the general principles of sensory transduction and neuronal coding in vertebrate visual and auditory systems.
Evaluate the relationship between structure and function in the vertebrate visual and auditory systems.
Provide examples of the anatomical and physiological bases of parallel processing in the visual and auditory systems.
Compare and contrast the mechanisms of sensory transduction and processing in the visual and auditory systems
  • Identify the neuronal structures and mechanisms underlying integration of vision and hearing in mammals.
    Analyse, summarise and demonstrate in-depth understanding of a selected recent research paper.

    		•
    Study hours
    18 Hours lectures
    08 Hours tutorials
    08 Hours practicals
    29 Hours for in-course assessment (private study and writing)
    86 Hours private study
    01 Hour scientific paper comprehension test
    Description of Module Assessment
    1: Class Test weighted 25%
    COMPREHENSION TEST
    Short answer questions on a recent, relevant research paper that is provided one week before the test and can be taken into the test.
    2: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 75%
    UNSEEN EXAM - 2 HOURS
    End of module examination consists of two essay questions, one selected from three questions in Section A, the other selected from three questions in Section B.
    Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

    This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.