Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
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 ListAny 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: 1compare and contrast the cellular and molecular mechanisms of sensory transduction and processing in the special senses and associated pathologies: 1analyse, summarise and evaluate concisely a selected research paper drawing on module-acquired knowledge where necessary: 1
Active learning:11x2h recorded lectures, lecture notes and supplementary materials11x2h tutorials3x1h workshop (journal comprehension)Independent study:2h open book exam (within the 28hr window)101 hours independent study
Description of Module Assessment
1: Open Book Examination weighted 100%2 h online open-book assessment with a 28-hour assessment windowThis 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.