LSC-20076 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

The acquisition of new information is a critical component of adaptive behaviour in both humans and animals. Learning about the world allows us to interact and/or react appropriately to a wide array of challenges. Drawing from experience in these instances is highly beneficial, too, as new information is integrated with existing knowledge stored in our memories. Memory is intrinsically tied to virtually every aspect of human cognition, from the ability to temporarily remember a phone number to the acquisition of a skill utilised throughout a lifetime. Ultimately, it is where and how the brain stores these experiences that inevitably contributes to making us who we are as individuals. In this module we will explore the physiological processes that underlie acquired changes in behavior. This will involve a detailed examination of the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in the acquisition, consolidation and retention of information. Initial lectures will focus on the qualitatively different types of leaning and memory in humans and animals, including a discussion on seminal experiments on mechanisms underlying simple learning in invertebrates. Changes in synaptic physiology and connectivity during memory encoding will be explored, as well as current theories related to the molecular signals involved in maintaining and stabilising a memory trace over time. Later lectures will explore the contributions of the hippocampus and parahippocampal cortices to spatial learning and memory, as well as the involvement of the prefrontal cortex in the regulation of short-term working memory. Finally, memory systems will be discussed in relation to the acquisition of complex motor skills and language.

The aim of this module is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the acquisition, consolidation, retention and recall of knowledge and information.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1,2
1,2
discuss the role of the prefrontal cortex in short-term working memory: 1,2
describe how the brain acquires new information, including fear memory and motor skills: 1,2
critically evaluate a primary source journal article and answer questions related to the content of the paper: 2
explain learning and memory with reference to the underlying physiological mechanisms (e.g., synaptic plasticity): 1,2
explain the molecular mechanisms underlying learning and memory: differentiate between different types of learning and memory in humans and animals (e.g., declarative versus non-declarative memory): 1,2
explain how learning and memory can be impaired in disorders and diseases of the brain: explain the contributions of the hippocampus and parahippocampal cortices to spatial learning and memory: 1,2

Study hours

14 x hours asynchronous content (14 x topics)
6 x 1 hour live lectures (6 x topics)
10 x 1 hr live tutorials
Active learning total = 30 hours
4 hrs per topic for further study/note taking = 80 hours
40 hours for preparation and completion of assessments

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment