Introductory description

The new module will primarily combine neuroscience with anatomy and physiology, though it will also include aspects of immunology, microbiology, cell biology, and genetics. It will bring together knowledge from several pathways into a a single view of the human body as a functioning system. The focus is on human based medical science, and should be largely popular with the student body.

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.

Lectures

Gut-brain axis

1. Anxiety and depression
2. Eating disorders
3. How eating disorders affect the microbiome/nutrition
4. How microbiome/nutrition effects anxiety and depression

Organ systems
5) The liver and the brain
6) The pancreas and the brain
7) The immune system and the brain

Cognition
8) Cardiovascular influences on dementia
9) Cognition in dementia
10) Dementia

Sleep
11) Sleep and sleep deprivation
12) Insomnia, and mood disorders

Sleep apnoea and the body
13) Sleep apnoea
14) Inflammation during sleep
15) Neurodegeneration and sleep apnoea
16) Comorbidities of Sleep apnoea

Supplemental Workshop 1 (50%: 2 hours + analytical assessment)
The students will be given information on how to perform critical analysis using tools such as metanalyses and systematic reviews. The session will cover things such as what is a P-value, why are single studies flawed, types of error, appropriate powering of experiments, how to critically assess contrasting findings by dissecting the methodology. It will also include interactive components such as boolean searching, filtering results, unbiased searching, using specialist software. The students will have to perform metanalysis including a critical analysis of the literature in the form of a report with a word limit of ~2000 words.

Supplemental workshop 2 (2 hours)
An in module assessment where students can come and ask questions about Boolean searches, metanalyses, and the essay/report.

Supplemental Workshop 3 (2 hours)
Clinical presentations, working in groups the students will diagnose patients. The students will be given limited information, each group must ask questions to gain further patient information, which they will require to figure out the underlying condition. This acts as a fun and engaging revision session.

End of module assessment (50%)
The exam will consist of 4 questions. Students must answer 1 question.

Learning outcomes

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

• A theoretical knowledge of neurobiology
• Consolidation of knowledge from physiology and neuroscience
• Understand current diagnostic techniques
• A comprehensive overview of complex human biology
• A theoretical knowledge of neurobiology
• Written communication skills
• Oral communication skills
• Use of scientific databases
• Ability in critical analysis
• Ability to formulate and test hypotheses
• Team working skills
• Critical analysis

Interdisciplinary

Brings together a holistic overview of how different systems within the human body interact with one another.

Subject specific skills

Reading of contemporary neuroscience, physiology, anatomy, microbiology, immunology, and cell biology. Synthesis of ideas into a cohesive and comprehensive overview of the human body, and applied medical sciences. Completion of a diagnostics workshop.

Transferable skills

Using logic to work through problems in real time
Written communication
Oral communication
Team work
Formulating complex hypotheses
Critical analysis