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

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

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

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

In this module, you will explore the special senses, including vision, hearing, balance, smell, and taste.
You will learn to explain 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 (which aspects of the stimulus human awareness encompasses).
Additionally, you will study the aetiopathology as well as the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying common diseases and disorders of the special senses, along with neurological disorders that impact these senses.
By the end of the module, you will be equipped to critically evaluate a research paper in the field, enhancing your understanding of advancements in research and discovery.

Aims
The module aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuropathology of human special senses. It focuses on the processes of transduction, transmission, processing, and perception of sensory stimuli, along with the 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

Critically evaluate how the special sensory systems perform their physiological functions: 1,2
Compare and contrast the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in sensory transduction and processing within the special senses, while also exploring associated pathologies, using up-to-date peer-reviewed resources and research journals: 1,2
Analyse, summarise, and concisely evaluate a selected research paper, drawing on module-acquired knowledge: 1

Study hours

10hr lectures
10hr tutorials
2x1hr technology enhanced workshops to discuss assessment strategies (i.e., w3 for assessment 1 and w9 for assessment 2)
128 hr independent learning (lecture notes, Panopto recordings, reading list resources, etc)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Research Paper weighted 50%
Critical Evaluation of a Research Paper
Each student will complete a 1,000-word assessment analysing a recent research journal article.

2: Literature Review weighted 50%
Literature Review
Students will choose one topic from three provided titles midway through the semester for their academic essay, which is due at the end of the semester. The literature review should connect with the semester's discussions and draw insights from research articles. Submissions are typically around 1,000 words and must address the relevant Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs). Once students select their topic, changes will not be permitted.

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: 16 September 2026