Introductory description

Have you ever wondered how the brain controls complex behaviours? We address this question by covering selected topics in contemporary neuroscience in a hierarchical manner. The content will be closely related to the research interests of the teaching staff. The module considers the important cellular components of the CNS and how these determine and contribute to the integrative function of the nervous system. Topics that you will be exposed to cover material such as: cell-to-cell signalling in the CNS; genetic targeting and manipulation of brain cells; the roles of glial cells; cortical function and development; motor control; sleep; how the brain controls appetite and food intake and the neurobiology of consciousness. Throughout the module, we teach in an evidence-based style and encourage you to take a critical and analytical approach to assessing scientific papers. We run a workshop as part of the course to cultivate these skills.

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.

Communication in the Nervous System
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
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
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
These 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.

How the brain controls food intake and bodyweight
The key circuits that regulate appetite, energy expenditure, and energy storage.

Neurobiology of Sleep
The neural circuits and mechanisms that control sleep and wakefulness.

Higher Brain Function
What is consciousness? Would you like a virtual body? How the sense of self can easily be fooled. 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:

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

Indicative reading list

We expect you to read contemporary scientific papers -specific background literature will be supplied in conjunction with the lectures, and you should regard this as a starting point for your exploration of the topics.

Subject specific skills

Demonstrate clear understanding of the scientific topic
Contain evidence of extended reading and lateral integration of material not covered in the lectures.
Demonstrate independent thought and deep understanding .
Specifically answer the set question using information from multiple lectures and sources.
Be structured and formatted in a way that demonstrates understanding and logical flow .
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