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BB30044: Molecular & medical neuroscience

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2013/4
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment: EX 80%, PR 20%
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take BB10003 and take BB20028
Further information on descriptions 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.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

BB30044 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
  • USBB-AFB02 : BSc (hons) Biochemistry (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USBB-AKB06 : BSc (hons) Biochemistry with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USBB-AFB05 : BSc (hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USBB-AKB08 : BSc (hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
Department of Psychology
  • UHPS-AKB03 : BSc (hons) Psychology (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2013/4 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2014/15 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2013/14.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.