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LSC-20133 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

LSC-20133 - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Coordinator: Simon Trent
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

LSC-10047

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

The study of cellular and molecular aspects of nerve cells are vital for understanding how molecules, intracellular pathways and brain cells together form complex brain networks within the nervous system.
The module will look at the variety of brain cells and their cellular features, which are intrinsically linked to function. Meanwhile, we will consider molecular neurobiological pathways and parallel methodologies such as gene and protein “omics”. How cellular and molecular aspects culminate in numerous brain-based disorders will also be covered.

Aims
The aim of the module is to provide a comprehensive understanding of cellular and molecular aspects of neuroscience. Cellular features of cells, alongside intracellular signalling pathways will be a key focus. Current techniques that allow interrogation of molecular neuroscience (such as “omics”) and relevance to brain disorders will also be covered.

Intended Learning Outcomes

explain the cellular features of different types of brain cells: 1,2
discuss the molecular features of brain cells and how they support complex signalling pathways: 1,2
evaluate molecular neuroscience techniques (at the DNA and/or protein level): 1,2
explain the role of molecular neuroscience in brain disorders (in terms of causation and treatment): 1,2
extract concepts of cellular and molecular neuroscience from research papers and communicate outcomes through different forms of science communication: 1,2

Study hours

Active learning
10 x 4 hours engagement with asynchronous content (10 x topics)
10 x 1 hr tutorials based around content
2 x 1 hr tutorials to support assessments

Independent learning
30 hours for background reading, preparation and completion of infographic assessment
38 hours for preparation and completion of essay
30 hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Poster weighted 40%
Extended Infographic
A 2-page extended infographic will be produced which covers a wide breath of cellular and molecular neuroscience content. In particular, the infographic will focus on linking together cellular phenotypes, molecules and intracellular pathways with relevant researched-based techniques, and within the context of a healthy function and disorder. Specifically, students will be required to choose from one of 5 molecular-based disorders and provide the following information on their infographic i) healthy and causal cellular alterations, ii) implicated alterations in molecular mechanisms and/or signalling pathways, iii) a description of the methodologies that have analysed phenotypes at the cellular and molecular level and iv) details of healthy, normal function and the disorder itself. The audience of the infographic is for informed, but non-specialist, students e.g. 1st year year Life Science students. This work builds upon skills/knowledge gained from L4- Infographic from Introduction to Neuroscience (LSC-10047). Examples of infographics will be provided and discussed in tutorials, alongside provision of an infographic checklist. Infographics will be submitted via Turnitin.

2: Essay weighted 60%
Essay: cellular and molecular neuroscience methodology
A 1,000 word essay that focuses specifically on methodology to interrogate cellular and molecular functions in neuroscience. Here, a brief introduction should be given of the techniques, covering those that work at the DNA level (e.g. RNA sequencing, optogenetics) and protein level (e.g. proteomics). A more in-depth explanation of their usage in areas of cellular and molecular neuroscience is required, both in terms of application in the healthy, normal brain and use to uncover relevant brain disorders (that are characterised by molecular/cellular phenotypes). Incorporation of recent research papers (and appropriate referencing) is required. Additionally, the precise cellular and molecular phenomena being measured (or utilized by the technique itself) should be given via the creation of an original diagram that is included in the essay, alongside a figure legend. Essays should take an integrated approach, linking multiple concepts and topics together. Essays will be submitted via Turnitin.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. 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/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025