Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE3001 | Life Sciences | 3 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- LIFE3001
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
Ligand-gated and voltage-gated ion channels will be considered at the molecular level. Emphasis will be placed on the ways in which knowledge of their molecular structure is enabling neuroscientists to postulate mechanisms to explain such phenomena as ligand binding and pharmacological specificity, voltage sensitivity, ion selectivity and blocking, desensitization and their interactions with animal and plant neurotoxins. The potential applications of this information in drug and pesticide design will be highlighted. Ion channels involved in sensing the environment will also be considered. The molecular basis of light sensing by the nervous system will also be examined as well as the application of light sensing in imaging techniques used in the study of neuroscience.
Target Students
Neuroscience U6UNEURS/U7UNEURS (B140), Biology U6UBOLGY/U7UBOLGY (C101), Zoology U6UZOLGY/U7UZOLGY (C301), Genetics U6UGNTCS/U7UGNTCS (C401), Biochemistry U6UBCHMY/U7UBIOCH (C700/C703), Natural Sciences U6UNATRS/ U7UNATRS (FGC0/GFC0 and Biomedical Sciences (Malaysia) M6UBMEDS (BNM2) students and having previouly taken modules in Neuroscience would be helpful.
Classes
This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc
Assessment
- 100% Exam 1 (2-hour): Exam
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to explore the molecular components of the nervous system in relation to the way in which they allow neurons to communicate with one another and with the outside world, and how they may be targeted by natural toxins, drugs and pesticides.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding of:
A1. The relationship between neuroscience and other disciplines
A2. Current trends and developments within molecular and cellular neuroscience
A3. The importance of molecular neuroscience in human health and disease and its relevance to medicine and biotechnology
A4. Appropriate terminology, nomenclature and classification
A5. Genetic basis of some neurological conditions and molecular basis of treatment
A6. Cell and molecular biology of neurons
A7. Organism structure and physiology
Intellectual skills
the ability to:
B1. Critically analyse and interpret published information and data
B2. Think independently while giving due weight to the arguments of others
B3. Understand complex ideas in neuroscience and relate them to specific problems in medicine and agrochemical design
B4. Acquire substantial quantities of information systematically, process it effectively, and draw appropriate conclusions
Practical skills
the ability to:
C1. Carry out scientific research and evaluate and make use of the material so acquired
C2. Write and construct scientific documents using appropriate styles, conventions, and terminology.
C3. Apply basic knowledge of practical approaches and techniques
Transferable/key skills
the ability to
D1. Communicate effectively in writing
D2. Organise and manage working time, schedule tasks, and meet deadlines
D3. Use and access information and communication technology
D4. Reflect upon and assess your own progress, strengths and weaknesses
D5. Work productively with others.