Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Honours (FHEQ level 6) |
| Period: |
Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| EX 80%, PR 20% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take BB10003 and take BB20028 or take BB20099 |
| Description:
| Aims: To provide an advanced review of the molecular and cellular processes underlying intercellular communication in the nervous system to provide an understanding of the neurochemical basis of brain disorders, their causes and treatments. Learning Outcomes: After taking this course the student should be able to: * Describe and explain the properties of the various classes of receptors and ion channels present in the mammalian CNS, and how these molecules interact to co-ordinate neuronal activity. * describe a number of brain disorders in terms of their neurochemistry. * describe and explain the gross regional anatomy of the human brain. * read and explain the relevant scientific literature. Skills:Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Numeracy & computation T/F/A, Laboratory skills T/F, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F. Content: Lectures: Receptors and ion channels- the existence of families and super-families. The structure of these various families of polypeptide. The functional consequences of this diversity and how it might be regulated at the gene and protein levels. Synthesis, release and uptake of neurotransmitters. Methods of studying human brain dysfunction. The altered neurochemistry of selected neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases will be reviewed, with respect to neurochemical aspects of their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Video presentations will illustrate some of the clinical conditions. |
| Programme availability: |
BB30044 is Compulsory on the following programmes:Department of Biology & Biochemistry
BB30044 is Optional on the following programmes:Department of Biology & Biochemistry
|