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BB30161: Systems and developmental neurobiology

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2015/6
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 2
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: CW 20%, EX 80%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 20%)
  • Examination (EX 80%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this module you must take BB20028
Further information on descriptions 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.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

BB30161 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
  • USBB-AFB03 : BSc(Hons) Biology (Year 3)
  • USBB-AKB07 : BSc(Hons) Biology with Professional Placement (Year 4)
  • USBB-AFB05 : BSc(Hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology (Year 3)
  • USBB-AKB08 : BSc(Hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology with Professional Placement (Year 4)
Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFB01 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Year 3)
  • UXXX-AAB02 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AKB02 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Year 3)
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences with Professional Placement (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 4)
Department of Psychology
Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2015/16 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2016/17 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2015/16.
* 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.