LSC-30063 - 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 lectures in this module will review the occurrence, cause, aetiology and neuropathology of a number of common neurodegenerative diseases and neurobiological conditions. The lecture material will be complemented by clinical and research presentations and problem based learning classes which will stress the clinical aspects of neurodegenerative disease. Skills aquired include use of literature and internet research methods, and evaluation of individual case histories relating to specific clinical conditions relevant to the lecture material. The module contributes to the programme as a whole by offering detailed learning on neurological conditions not available elsewhere in the programme, but building on student knowledge already acquired. This module will be of benefit to you by enhancing your knowledge base, offering you structured assistance in acquiring new knowledge and a flavour of diseases that you are highly likely to encounter and that could underpin future career aspirations. These diseases are socially and economically important, both personally and in the population as a whole.

The module aims to provide a detailed critical understanding of the theories and techniques underlying modern research into the aetiology, pathology, underlying mechanisms, prevention and treatment of human neurological disorders.

Intended Learning Outcomes

critically evaluate pathophysiology (cellular and molecular mechanisms) of several common neurological, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, meningitis, hydrocephalus, brain cancer and Down's syndrome (the list is not exhaustive): 1,2
critically evaluate a neuropsychiatric case and address its epidemiology, precision diagnostics, prevention, and therapeutic approaches: 1
discuss the aetiology and predisposing factors of neurological, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, meningitis, hydrocephalus, brain cancer and Down's syndrome (the list is not exhaustive): 1,2
critically evaluate the advances made in precision diagnostics, prevention and therapeutic approaches: 1,2

Study hours

Active learning:
11x2h engagement with recorded lectures, lecture notes and supplementary materials
11x2h tutorials
3x1h workshop (Problem Based Learning)
Independent study:
2h open book exam (within the 28hr window)
50 hours independent study and preparation of the case study assessment
51 hours independent study and preparation for module examination

School Rules

Biology students may not take this module with LSC-30003 Applied Insect Ecology.

Description of Module Assessment