Introductory description

This module will cover selected topics in contemporary neuroscience in a hierarchical manner. The content will be closely related to the research interests of the teaching staff. The overall aim of the module is to consider the important cellular components of the CNS and how these determine and contribute to the integrative function of the nervous system. The module will cover signalling in the CNS, genetic targeting and manipulation of brain cells, the roles of glial cells, cortical function and development, motor control, sleep, sexual behaviour and consciousness.

Module web page

Module aims

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 Communication in the Nervous System (8 lectures - Dr. M. J. Wall/Professor N. E. Dale/ Professor G. Koentges)
Ion channels and how to study them, application of molecular methods, examples of function. Synaptic transmission using glutamate and GABA as models. Purinergic signalling – signalling roles of ATP and adenosine. Glial cells, their types and roles in the brain; glia – neuron communication. Signalling via gap junctions and hemichannels. Methods to visualize neuronal circuits, traditional and genetic. Genetic manipulation and targeting of specific cells in the brain. Optogenetic approaches to analyze and experimentally modify specific neuronal circuits.
Motor Control (2 lectures - Dr. M. J. Wall)
Role of cerebellum in motor control; motor learning; disorders of movement based on cerebellum. Disorders of movement based in higher centres: Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and the polyglutamine diseases. Development of Forebrain and Cortex (2 lectures - Professor G. Koentges)
Genetic control of forebrain development, specification of neuronal areas, development of the cortical regions and layers, the hippocampus, principles of circuit formation – we will explore the mechanisms by which the forebrain builds various maps of the outside world.
Cortical Function and Signalling (2 lectures - Dr. M. J. Wall)
These 2 lectures cover neocortical morphology and cortical wiring and discusses the emergent neural activity that can be produced. It also covers pyramidal cell properties and the different classes of GABAergic interneurons in the neocortex.
Neurobiology of Sleep (2 lectures - Professor N. E. Dale)
The functions of sleep, and the neural mechanisms that control sleep and wakefulness.
Higher Brain Function (1 lecture - Professor N. E. Dale)
What is consciousness? Split brain studies – what they reveal about the operation of the brain and neurobiological basis of consciousness.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• LO1 Demonstrate understanding of communication within the nervous system
• LO2 Demonstrate understanding of motor control and disorders that are associated with a breakdown in control mechanisms
• LO3 Demonstrate understanding of brain development and the R&D techniques needed to study development
• LO4 Demonstrate understanding of cortical function and structure
• LO5 Demonstrate understanding of the neurobiology of sleep

Indicative reading list

Bear, Connors and Paradiso, Neuroscience – Exploring the Brain, 3rd edn. (Lippincott Williams and Wilkin, 2007).
Kandel, Schwartz, Jessell and Hudspeth, Principles of Neural Science, 5th edn. (McGraw-Hill, 2012).
More specific background literature will be supplied in conjunction with the lectures.

Subject specific skills

a. Demonstrate clear understanding of the scientific topic
Percentage
100%
BS362-12 as of 30th Jan 2021 at 07:00
b. Contain evidence of extended reading and lateral integration of material not covered in the lectures
c. Demonstrate independent thought and deep understanding
d. Specifically answer the set question using information from multiple lectures and sources
e. Be structured and formatted in a way that demonstrates understanding and logical flow
f. Use multiple sources to construct complex scientific arguments and integrating these to build and develop the student's own scientific conclusions.

Transferable skills

1. Critical appraisal of source material
2. Self directed learning
3. Adult learning