Introductory description

This module will cover the neuropathology, anatomy and pathophysiology of diseases involving the nervous system. It will provide insight into both the structure and function of the brain, upper motor neurones, lower motor neurones, the neuromuscular junction and the peripheral sensory nervous system. The aim of the module is to introduce the students to how physiological processes can be disrupted and the clinical consequences these disruptions cause. The module will provide pre-requisite knowledge that will aid student learning in Y3 modules on the Neuroscience degree programme, for example BS374 (Modern approaches to human disease) and BS362 (Integrative Neuroscience).

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. Anatomy of the nervous system (i)
   Basic review of the anatomy of the brain.

2. Anatomy of the nervous system (ii)
   Basic review of the anatomy of the spinal cord and the neuromuscular junction

3. Pathophysiology of the brain (i)
   Focus on blood supply and metabolic restrictions: Disease framework (cause, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and potential treatment) of cerebral vascular dysfunctions

4. Pathophysiology of the brain (ii)
   Focus on neurodegeneration: Disease framework (cause, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and potential treatment) of proteinopathies

5. Pathophysiology of the brain (iii)
   Focus on cellular degeneration: discussion of cell death mechanisms e.g. necrosis, apoptosis, parthanathos or autophagy and their role in nervous system disorders

6. Pathophysiology of the brain (iv)
   Focus on neuronal communication: Disease framework (cause, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and potential treatment) of epilepsy and seizures

7. Pathophysiology of the spinal cord
   Disease framework (cause, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and potential treatment) of traumatic spinal cord injury

8. Pathophysiology of motor neurones (i)
   Disease framework (cause, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and potential treatment) of e.g. spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) and
   myasthenia gravis (MG)

9. Pathophysiology of motor neurones (ii)
   Disease framework (cause, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and potential treatment) of e.g. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

10. Pathophysiology of the white matter
    Disease framework (cause, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and potential treatment) of e.g. multiple sclerosis (MS)

11. Communicable nervous system diseases (i)
    Disease framework (cause, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and potential treatment) of e.g. rabies

12. Communicable nervous system diseases (ii)
    Disease framework (cause, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and potential treatment) of prion diseases

13. Pathophysiology of the sensory systems (i)
    Disease framework (cause, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and potential treatment) of pain sensation

14. Pathophysiology of the sensory systems (ii)
    Disease framework (cause, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and potential treatment) of dyslexia and dyscalculia

15. Pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental conditions
    Disease framework (cause, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and potential treatment) of e.g. Down syndrome and autism spectrum conditions

Learning outcomes

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

• Level 5 understanding of the anatomy of the nervous system
• Level 5 understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the brain, including motor neurones
• Level 5 understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the vascular unit
• Level 5 understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the white matter
• Level 5 understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of communicable CNS diseases
• Level 5 understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders
• Level 5 understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the sensory nervous system

Indicative reading list

Purves et al, Neuroscience 6th Edn. (Sinauer/Oxford UP, 2019)

Subject specific skills

LO1 Demonstrate understanding of anatomy of the nervous system
LO2 Demonstrate understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the brain
LO3 Demonstrate understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of upper motor neurones
LO4 Demonstrate understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of lower motor neurones
LO5 Demonstrate understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the neuromuscular junction
LO6 Demonstrate understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of skeletal muscle
LO7 Demonstrate understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the sensory nervous system

Transferable skills

Adult learning
Self directed learning
Quantitative skills and data handling skills