Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Honours (FHEQ level 6) |
| Period: |
Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| CW 20%, EX 80% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take BB20028 |
| Description:
| Aims: A) Systems: To provide an understanding of some holistic systems in neurobiology, to illustrate the integrated functioning of the nervous system. B) Developmental: To familiarise students with the concepts and vocabulary of developmental neurobiology; To give a conceptual grasp of how a nervous system (specifically in vertebrates) might be formed; To illustrate 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; * outline and distinguish the major processes of nervous system formation; * explain current models of the mechanisms of neural plate specification and patterning, neuronal cell type specification, neuronal cell survival and axon guidance; * utilise studies of neural development in selected vertebrate model systems to model mechanisms in other vertebrates; * extend 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. |
| Programme availability: |
BB30161 is Optional on the following programmes:Department of Biology & Biochemistry
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