Introductory description

This module will provide introductory understanding of the nervous system, concentrating on the physiology and cell biology of neurons.

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.

Overview of the nervous system: Basic review of the anatomy of the brain, spinal cord and cellular specialisations

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

Escape behaviour

Olfaction

Taste

Temperature

Pain/touch

Magneto/electrosensing

Time & Space perception

Workshop: Microscopic analysis of histological sections of brain tissue: matching form to function. Measurement of electrical activity in the nervous system

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
• Demonstrate an understanding of neurogenesis and the potential of stems cells in neurological disorders
• Demonstrate an understanding of sensory systems

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 protein 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
LO10 Demonstrate an understanding of neurogenesis and the potential of stems cells in neurological disorders
LO11 Demonstrate an understanding of sensory systems such as taste, olfaction, space and time perception

Transferable skills

Self directed learning, adult learning, team based learning, technology enhanced learning