LF108-12 Cell Biology of Neurons
Introductory description
This module will provide introductory understanding of the nervous system, concentrating on the physiology and cell biology of neurones.
Module aims
This module will cover the cell biology of neurons and glial cells of the nervous system. It will provide insight into the basic structure and function of these cells and describe the cell biological process that give rise to them (neurogenesis), allow them to migrate to their correct location, to establish synaptic and other contacts (axon guidance), to satisfy metabolic needs at sites distant from the cell body (axonal transport, localised protein synthesis and receptor trafficking). The aim of the module is to introduce the students to how the wiring of the nervous system arises through an understanding of the differentiation and development of individual cell types. Such process can go awry and give rise to neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism. The module will provide valuable knowledge that will aid student learning throughout the Neuroscience degree. While not a compulsory module, students of Neuroscience will be expected to take this module, but not taking it does not preclude students from other degree streams transferring to Neuroscience at the end of Year 1.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
1 Gross anatomy to the nervous system
Basic review of the anatomy of the brain, spinal cord and principles of development.
- Early brain development
Formation of the nervous system
- Cellular anatomy and bioenergetics of the nervous system
Introduction to the cell types of the nervous system, their fuels and their genesis
- Cellular migration in the nervous system
Origins and destinations
- Construction of neural circuits
Neuronal polarization and site-specific protein synthesis as a prerequisite for circuit formation
- Axon guidance and transport
Intrinsic and extrinsic signals determining axon elongation and development
- Synapse formation
Activity-dependent formation, retraction and stabilisation of synapses
- Critical periods in the development of the nervous system
Neural activity as determinant of brain development and maturation
- Repair and regeneration in the nervous system
The damaged brain, repair and functional re-organisation
- Neurogenesis and regenerative medicine
Evidence for neurogenesis and potential for stem cells in regenerative medicine
Workshop
Microscopic analysis of histological sections of brain tissue: matching form to function
Measurement of conduction velocity and reaction time
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of cellular anatomy of the nervous system
- Demonstrate understanding of the differences in structure and function between different nervous system cell types
- Demonstrate understanding of neuronal cell differentiation
- Demonstrate understanding of neuronal cell migration
- Demonstrate understanding of axon guidance
- Demonstrate understanding of axonal transport
- Demonstrate understanding of localised proteins synthesis
- Demonstrate understanding of the establishment of synaptic contacts
- Demonstrate understanding of genetic mutations that disrupt these process and lead to clinical conditions such as autism
- Demonstrate an understanding of neurogenesis and the potential of stems cells in neurological disorders
Indicative reading list
Bear, Connors and Paradiso, Neuroscience – Exploring the Brain, 4th Edn. (Walters Kluwer, 2016).
Purves et al, Neuroscience 6th Edn. (Sinauer/Oxford UP, 2019)
Kandel, Schwartz, Jessell and Hudspeth, Principles of Neural Science, 5th edn. (McGraw-Hill, 2012).
Subject specific skills
LO1 Demonstrate understanding of cellular anatomy of the nervous system
LO2 Demonstrate understanding of the differences in structure and function between different nervous system cell types
LO3 Demonstrate understanding of neuronal cell differentiation
LO4 Demonstrate understanding of neuronal cell migration
LO5 Demonstrate understanding of axon guidance
LO6 Demonstrate understanding of axonal transport
LO7 Demonstrate understanding of localised proteins synthesis
LO8 Demonstrate understanding of the establishment of synaptic contacts
LO9 Demonstrate understanding of genetic mutations that disrupt these process and lead to clinical conditions such as autism
LO10 Demonstrate an understanding of neurogenesis and the potential of stems cells in neurological disorders
Transferable skills
Self directed learning, adult learning, team based learning, technology enhanced learning
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 sessions of 1 hour (8%) |
| Seminars | 1 session of 3 hours (2%) |
| Private study | 107 hours (89%) |
| Total | 120 hours |
Private study description
Self directed learning and revision
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.
Assessment group D
| Weighting | Study time | |
|---|---|---|
| In Module Assessment | 20% | |
|
Workshop based assessment |
||
| Summer Exam | 80% | |
|
1.5 hr MCQ Test- delivered electronically in SLS |
||
Assessment group R
| Weighting | Study time | |
|---|---|---|
| Reassessment Exam (capped) | 100% | |
|
September exam - locally arranged |
||
Feedback on assessment
1-2-1 meeting with tutor
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of ULFA-B140 Undergraduate Neuroscience (BSc)
- Year 1 of ULFA-B142 Undergraduate Neuroscience (MBio)
- Year 1 of ULFA-B143 Undergraduate Neuroscience (with Industrial Placement) (MBio)
- Year 1 of ULFA-B141 Undergraduate Neuroscience (with Placement Year) (BSc)