Module Catalogue 2024/25

PSC3008 : Physiology of the Nervous System

PSC3008 : Physiology of the Nervous System

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Claudia Racca
  • Lecturer: Professor Evelyne Sernagor, Professor Adrian Rees, Professor Anya Hurlbert, Professor Stuart Baker
  • Practical Supervisor: Dr Gavin Clowry, Dr Yuki Kikuchi
  • Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 30
ECTS Credits: 15.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Code Title
PSC1002Physiology
Pre Requisite Comment

Stage 1 module PSC1002 or equivalent provide fundamental knowledge as a foundation upon which PSC3008 builds and develops.

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To understand the structure and function of the mammalian nervous system; the role of the nervous system in everyday life; and the experimental methods used to study it.

This advanced module aims to develop the student's understanding of the mammalian nervous system, how it is organized and how it functions. The module builds on the introductory material covered at Stage 1 to provide the student with an overview of the principles of brain organization and developmental, before focusing on sensory systems (touch, vision and hearing), motor control and some cognitive brain functions such as learning and memory, sleep and emotional states. The importance of experimental evidence, how it is acquired and interpreted, is emphasised throughout the module. The lectures are supported by seminars, practical classes and group learning sessions.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module consists of the following topics 1) the organisation and development of the nervous system; 2) scientific methods for neuroscience research; 3) somatosensation; 4) vision; 5) hearing; 6) motor system; 7) learning & memory; sleep.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of this module the student will be able to:
K1. Relate structure of the mammalian nervous system to function
K2. Critically evaluate the advantages and shortcomings of the experimental methods used to study the nervous system
K3. Describe the processes involved in stimulus transduction and analysis in hearing, vision and somatosensation.
K4. Compare and contrast the mechanisms of different sensory systems
K5. Relate the mechanisms involved in movement control, learning, memory and sleep
K6. Discuss and evaluate the experimental evidence supporting our knowledge of the topics studied

Intended Skill Outcomes

To learn how to acquire scientific knowledge through independent reading and deductive reasoning, and to develop teamwork, presentation and other translational skills in gaining scientific knowledge.

On completion of this module the student will be able to;
S1. Source and critically evaluate experimental evidence
S2. Analyse and critique a scientific paper
S3. Formulate a scientific argument
S4. Use scientific software to generate sound waveforms
S5. Write an essay to address a scientific question
S6. Work in a team to develop and present an explanatory model

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion118:0018:00Independent group work
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture251:0025:00In person
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials116:0016:00Non-Synchronous online. Instructional videos, quizzes/formative materials/problem solving questions
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical12:002:00In person - Practical 1
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical23:006:00In person - Practicals 2 & 3
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching12:002:00Seminar: in person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching101:0010:00Seminars: In person
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1220:00220:00Consolidation lecture notes/completion practical reports/formative MCQ/prob solving, revision & reading
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesModule talk11:001:00In person - introduction to module, teaching methods and assessments
Total300:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lecture materials convey information, scientific concepts and experimental evidence in a concise form (K1-K6, S2 & S4). These give an overview of a topic providing students with an appropriate framework for their own further independent study using the references provided in the Module Study Guide (K1-K6, S1, S2 and S4). Some lectures are provided in person while others are provided as online videos followed up and supported by in person sessions ("flipped content")/

Practical 1, Brain Anatomy, enables the student to appreciate key features of the organisation and structure of the real human brain in contrast to two dimensional schematic diagrams shown in text books (K1).

Practical 2 (Vision) and Practical 3 (Hearing) enable students to appreciate key aspect of visual and auditory perception through direct experience of visual and auditory stimuli (K3-K4) and use of psychophysical techniques (K2). Students also gain skills in using scientific software (S5).

Seminar 1. Analysis of a scientific paper. This 2-hr seminar aids in the development of critical skills (S2 and S3) and problem solving. It provides an opportunity for informal discussion.

Seminar 2. Teaches a key concept in sensory processing using a problem solving exercise (K3 & K4)

Seminars 3-10. Support lectures and online lecture materials in vision, hearing and motor systems by providing an opportunity for discussion, problem solving and Q&A (K3 & K4).

Seminar 11. Supports lectures in learning, memory and sleep and includes video presentations videos of patients with deficits in different brain areas and systems (K5 & K6).

The formative MCQ exam provides a test of acquired knowledge by the end of the module and the ability to synthesise information (K1-K6). It has a strong formative element and reinforces learning by providing immediate feedback on the student’s answers.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1802A70Invigilated exam: Sect 1 (2 x 60 min essays - choose 2 from 4 - worth 2/3); Sect 2 (2 x 30 min essays - choose 2 from 4 - worth 1/3)
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Practical/lab report1M6Q&A Style report for Practical 2
Practical/lab report1M6Q&A Style report for Practical 3
Prof skill assessmnt1M12Comprises: Group model building, oral presentation, 2-page written description
Prob solv exercises1M6Online Quizzes and problems
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Computer assessment1MOnline MCQ assessment completed in own time (expected completion time 60 mins)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination essays will test the students’ understanding of the material learned in the module, examine their ability to integrate and explore the relationships between the various themes within the module, and test their ability to develop scientific arguments (K1- K6, S).

The practical assessments judge the students’ ability to conduct experiments, analyse and interpret experimental data in a scientific manner, and draw appropriate conclusions (S5).

The study group task judges students’ ability to work as a team and helps them to develop and present their scientific knowledge and understanding using a variety of media.

The MCQ with feedback serves as a formative end of module test of knowledge and provides a springboard for revision.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

Original Handbook text:

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.