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LSC-10047 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

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

LSC-10047 - Introduction to Neuroscience
Coordinator: Marta Woloszynowska-Fraser
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
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

This module teaches students about the basic anatomy and function of the nervous system, drawing on information from a range of organisms but primarily aimed at understanding the human nervous system. Included in this module are practical classes that introduce students to human and animal anatomy and physiology, microscopy and recording techniques using computer based physiology work stations. Students also experiment on the main senses using anatomical, physiological and behavioural methods and learn a range of other skills useful in a variety of different jobs.
Academic content:
Neurones and glia: the cells of the nervous system
The human nervous system (organization)
Transport of ions and molecules
The resting potential and action potential
Transmission across synapses
Muscle contraction and its reflex control
Sensory receptors and sensory systems
Molecular neuroscience and neurological disorders
Development of the nervous system
Evolution of the nervous system
Practicals associated with the above academic content

Aims
To provide a general description of the architecture and the physiology of nervous systems, the neural basis of behaviour, a brief discussion of the senses and concepts of development and the evolution of the nervous system.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/lsc-10047/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

identify the principal anatomical subdivisions and structures of the nervous systems, including development of nervous system across different species: 4
describe the main sensory systems of the human body: 4
discuss structure-function relationships in the nervous system: 4
describe specific examples of human nervous system disorders: 3,4
design and evaluate experimental studies of neuroscience: 3
write a concise report based on lab results using appropriate terminology and subject research: 2
explain the basic physiological and chemical basis of neural function: 1,3,4
analyse data and present it in graphic form: 2

Study hours

21 x 1h - in situ delivery of tutorials/workshops/discussions
1 x 2h - IT workshop
14 x 1h - in situ lecture delivery
22 x 1h - preparation for tutorials/workshops/discussions
22 x 1h - reflection on tutorials/workshops/discussions
105h - engagement with asynchronous material split across each week
6 x 2h - reflection and preparation for core labs linked with content
8 x 2h -preparation and answering lab book questions
10h - preparation of infographic
20h - preparation of lab report
20h - preparation/revision for final exam
2h - final MCQ exam
32h - independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Creative Brief weighted 10%
Infographic
For this assessment, students are asked to research a specific topic, synthesise core information and then create one-page infographic. Students will be given guidance in a tutorial session prior to the hand in and substantial on-line support.

2: Laboratory Report weighted 40%
Lab report
For this assessment, students are asked to research a specific topic, collect and analyse data during core lab practical session and then write a 1500-word lab report. Students will be given guidance in a tutorial session prior to the hand in and substantial on-line support.

3: Assignment weighted 20%
Electronic lab book with elements of analysis
Data and short simple experiments for work at home will be provided on KLE along with an explanatory tutorial on how to analyse and present data. This will be released every two weeks (4x in SEM-1 and 4x in SEM-2), linked with core learning material. There will be 2 submission dates (at the end of SEM-1 and at the end of SEM-2). It is a form of continuous in-course assessment.

4: Online Tasks weighted 30%
Online test (1-hour active working in a 2-hour assessment window)
This paper will be released as a timed test in Blackboard. Students will find a link to this test on KLE on the day of the assessment. The test is designed so that most students will be able to complete within 1 hour, although we will give all students 2 hours to be more inclusive. This test will consist of a collection of compulsory multiple choice, pairing and fill in the blanks 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.

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