Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
BB40164 Modern methods of researching neurodegeneration |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must (take BB20028 or take BB20099) and take BB30044 |
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Aims: This unit is aimed at highlighting the different techniques that can/could be used to investigate neurodegenerative disorders and allow the student to develop a working knowledge of standard models of a variety of human neurodegenerative diseases. The models will include, cell, molecular and animal models.
Learning Outcomes: After taking this course the student should be able to: * Describe at least six major strategies for investigating neurodegenerative diseases. * Critically evaluate research papers on subjects related to research on neurodegenerative diseases * Distinguish between classes of neurodegenerative disorders in terms of the kinds of models available for researching them. Skills: Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F/A, Oral communication T/F/A. Content: Techniques used for the study of neurodegenerative diseases: Transgenic approaches, polymerisation assays, behavioural tests, protein structure studies, in vivo and in vitro models of neuronal death (animal and cell models), cell signalling cascades and apoptosis, electrophysiological approaches and analysis of sectioned tissues from patients. |