MMB8019 : Sensory Systems
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Professor Evelyne Sernagor
- Lecturer: Dr Gabriele Jordan, Professor Stuart Baker, Professor Anya Hurlbert, Professor Marcus Kaiser, Professor Patrick Degenaar, Professor Andrew Blamire, Professor Alexander Thiele, Dr Abhishek Banerjee, Professor Adrian Rees, Professor Tim Griffiths
- Owning School: FMS Graduate School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
The module aims are:
1. introduce the principles and practice of modern methods (primarily neurophysiology, imaging, and computational techniques) for investigating sensory systems (vision, audition and somatosensation).
2. explore sensory physiology at an advanced level from single neuron function to complex neuronal networks in the visual, auditory and somatosensory systems.
3. gain an understanding of how basic experimental studies and clinical investigations reveal the neuronal mechanisms underlying function of sensory systems in health and disease.
4. acquire basic knowledge in neural implant devices to regain lost senses.
5. gain specific knowledge on:
• neuronal signalling mechanisms
• cellular neurophysiology
• invasive and non-invasive techniques for studying the nervous system in humans and experimental animals
• computational approaches for interpreting neural network function
• gross sensory neuroanatomy (in primates and simpler animals)
• development of neural function and structure
• genetics and neuroanatomy of specific sensory disorders and their relationship to normal brain function
• multisensory integration
• functional links between sensory systems, and disorders thereof
• higher brain functions that build on sensory function, such as visual memory and attention, reading, music perception.
6. learn how to acquire scientific knowledge through independent reading, deductive and inductive reasoning.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module will introduce the principles and practice of modern methods (primarily neurophysiological, neuroimaging, and computational techniques) for investigating sensory systems including the visual, auditory and somatosensory systems, chemical senses through a series of sessions;
Topics will include:
1. Essential neuroanatomy
2. Essential cellular neurophysiology
3. Neuroimaging techniques
4. Retinal structure and function
5. Visual system development
6. Colour vision (retinal processing, genetic disorders, central processing)
7. Visual cortical function (modularity, cognitive aspects, visual attention)
8. Neural prosthetics for the restoration of sight
9. Somatosensation (touch, pressure, vibration, pain, temperature, position and movement)
10. Cellular principles of somatosensory plasticity
11. The auditory pathway
12. Auditory neurophysiology and neuropharmacology
13. Cortical basis and disorders of human auditory cognition
14. Multisensory integration
15. Computational approaches to understanding neuroanatomical networks and behaviour
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 24 | 1:00 | 24:00 | Non-synchronous online |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Preparation of oral presentation |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | MCQ, time limited take home |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Present in person: Computer cluster |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Present in person: Anatomy labs |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Present in person: Oral presentation (Groups of 8 students per 2 hour session) |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Present in person: Journal Club |
Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 19:00 | 19:00 | Additional Reading and Reflective Learning |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 98:00 | 98:00 | Preparation of Notes; preparing answer to take home paper; completing the MCQ paper |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 8:00 | 8:00 | Additional Reading & Reflective learning |
Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Practicals will include:
1. Fundamental neuroanatomy - Gross anatomy of the human brain. Cellular staining techniques. Comparative neuroanatomy.
2. Spike train analysis – to analyse and quantify spiking activity in neural networks.
Students will also prepare 10-minute powerpoint presentations on in-depth topics related to the lecture materials, preferably based on one or more recent journal articles. Presentations will be assessed on content, organisation, style, and visual clarity.
To help consolidate factual information learned throughout the course, students will have a multiple-choice-question exam during the last session of the module. The MCQ exam mark will contribute 20% to the final mark. Only lecture material will be covered in the MCQ exam.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written Examination | 60 | 1 | M | 60 | Online 24 hour take home examination - essay, choice of 1 from 3 (2000 words) |
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Computer assessment | 1 | M | 20 | MCQs take home online time-limited (69 questions) |
Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 20 | Oral presentation 10 minutes |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The essay will test students' detailed knowledge and critical understanding of a selected area of sensory neuroscience.
The in-course MCQ test will test students' knowledge across the breadth of the course, based on the content of all lectures.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MMB8019's Timetable