Description:
| Aims: A) Systems: To provide an in-depth understanding of some holistic systems in neurobiology and an integrated functioning of the nervous system.
B) Developmental: To familiarise students with the concepts and vocabulary of developmental neurobiology; To provide insights into how a nervous system (specifically in vertebrates) might be formed; To critically evaluate the advantages and limitations of specific vertebrate model systems for developmental neurobiological studies.
Learning Outcomes: After taking this course the student should be able to:
* explain the basic anatomy and connectivity of the adult mammalian central nervous system
* describe a number of integrated neuronal systems in terms of their physiology, neurochemistry and/or phenotypic behaviour
* analyse the major processes of nervous system formation
* give a detailed review of current models of the mechanisms of neural plate specification and patterning, neuronal cell type specification, neuronal cell survival and axon guidance
* apply their knowledge of neural development in selected vertebrate model systems to model mechanisms in other vertebrates
* advance their knowledge in these areas by reference to primary research articles.
Skills: Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F.
Content: Human brain structure; lateralisation of brain function; examples of motor, sensory & limbic systems.
Formation of the neural plate and neural crest; Specification of cell fate within the CNS - timing and position; Specification of cell fate within the NC; Proliferation of neuronal precursors; Neurotrophins and neuronal survival; Axonal guidance.
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