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LSC-30053 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 23 April 2024

LSC-30053 - Special Senses
Coordinator: Samaneh - Preferred Ella Maysami Room: HUX-304 Tel: 01782 733671
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

The special senses comprise the senses housed within the cranium (vision, hearing, balance, smell, taste). Each system is explained in terms of transduction (how the effective stimulus is converted into electrical signals in the periphery), transmission (how these signals are conveyed to the brain), processing (how the nervous system analyses the information) and perception (what aspects of the stimulus humans or certain animals become aware of). There is also some focus on common disorders of these systems. Module activities include lectures and tutorials. Supplementary reading material is included and aimed at students who have a limited neuroscience background.

Aims
To provide an in-depth understanding of the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuropathology of human special senses, focusing on transduction, transmission, processing and perception of sensory stimuli and associated pathologies.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/lsc-30053/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

evaluate how the special sensory systems perform their physiological functions: 1
compare and contrast the cellular and molecular mechanisms of sensory transduction and processing in the special senses and associated pathologies: 1
analyse, summarise and evaluate concisely a selected research paper drawing on module-acquired knowledge where necessary: 1

Study hours

Active learning:
11x2h recorded lectures, lecture notes and supplementary materials
11x2h tutorials
3x1h workshop (journal comprehension)
Independent study:
2h open book exam (within the 28hr window)
101 hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Open Book Examination weighted 100%
2 h online open-book assessment with a 28-hour assessment window
This assessment contains two sections: Section A will contain compulsory, short answer questions. Section B will contain a choice of ONE out of THREE essay-based questions. Students should answer each question using Word, clearly labelling each question as they provide their answers. For short-answer questions, students should pay careful attention to the number of points that each question is worth. In general, we would expect only one or two sentences for each point. For essay-based questions, typical answers would be in the range of 500-750 words per question. We recommend that students do not exceed 750 words per essay-based question as we will be assessing the quality of your answer, not the quantity. Students are expected to complete this assessment within 2 hours.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 23 April 2024