Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Programme Admission Criteria Only

Co Requisite Comment

Students wishing to graduate with MRes in Neuroscience must undertake at least one of MMB8010, MMB8019 or MMB8020 and complete a project in Neurosciences.

Aims

The module aims to:

1. introduce students to neuroanatomy with a focus on regions vulnerable in neurological disorders

2. develop understanding of fundamental aspects of molecular biology and cellular physiology implicated in neurological disorders

3. provide students with a detailed introduction to common methods used to study neurological dysfunction in patients, tissues and model systems

4. examine a range of exemplar neurological disorders with a focus on disease aetiology, enabling students to explore the anatomy and biological processes they have previously studied

5. explore the latest hypotheses and on-going research in exemplar neurological disorders with a view to discussing future research trends

Original Summary:

This module introduces fundamental processes underlying neurological dysfunction, with an aim of bridging fundamental neuroscientific study with applied studies into disease aetiology. On completing this module, students will have a solid grounding in basis tenets of translational neuroscience as it is applied to the study of neurological disorder, an overview of the rationale underlying key methods used to study neurological disorders, and an overview of the clinical features and molecular aetiology of a range of key neurological disorders.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module introduces the student to the scientific basis of neurological disorders by initially providing an overview of neuroanatomy, with a focus on regions relevant to common neurological disorders, and fundamental mechanisms implicated in neurological dysfunction, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired autophagy-lysosomal function, synaptic dysfunction and inflammation. In addition to the molecular aetiology of neurological disorders, students will also receive teaching on the principles underlying common methods used to study neurological disorders, from behavioural and imaging studies in patients, to interrogation of processes in modal systems. The module then focusses on a number of exemplar neurological disorders, initially with an overview of clinical features, and then discussion of molecular aetiology and current research, providing applied examples of the anatomy, molecular biology, neurophysiology and methodological development outlined in the first half of the module.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of the module students should be able to:

1, demonstrate an understanding of key aspects of the structure and function of nerve cells

2. discuss the cellular and molecular basis of neurological dysfunction

3. demonstrate an awareness of the latest concepts in the molecular aetiology of key neurological disorders

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of the module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of fundamental aspects of applied neuroscience in addition to applying this knowledge to understand the aetiology of a number of common neurological conditions

2. demonstrate understanding of the basis of a number of methods used in neuroscience research

3. Evaluate critically relevant literature on neurological disease and to discuss the evidence relevant to hypotheses proposed to explain the molecular aetiology of selected neurological disorders

4. Summarise a detailed research publication in poster format

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Many neurological disorders diseases have dramatic debilitating effects and cause major stress within the family. Understanding of these diseases and their causes requires knowledge of the basic principle of nerve cell biology. This module will introduce students to these principles in the context of several clinically important neurological disorders and will show how defects at the cellular and molecular levels can give rise to the features of the disorders at clinical presentation. The diseases selected for study will include both inherited and acquired conditions that affect both nerve cell function and survival. The module takes advantage of the wealth of neuroscience experience in Newcastle at both scientific and clinical levels.

This will be a module split between lectures, small group teaching and seminars, with students being introduced to neurological disorders in man and the associated defects in cells and molecules. In addition to the formal teaching, students will be expected to spend considerable time on independent learning following the guidelines identified in the lecture materials and taught sessions.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The summative essay will allow students to demonstrate an awareness of the latest concepts, and critically evaluate the molecular aetiology, of neurological disorders.

The summative poster allows the students to demonstrate critical analysis and communication of a key piece of published neuroscience research.

The formative MCQ will help students assess their knowledge and understanding of the module content and provide feedback to support them in their summative assessments.

General Notes

N/A