Brain and Behaviour (C8518)
Brain and Behaviour
Module C8518
Module details for 2012/13.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 5
Module Outline
This module provides an introduction to brain mechanisms and behaviour. Topics covered will normally include: ionic mechanisms underlying the nerve action potential; synapses and neurotransmission; neuropharmacology of commonly used anti-depressant and anxiolytic drugs; functional neuroanatomy of the human brain; brain development and neurogenetics; neural mechanisms in motor behaviour, initiation of voluntary actions; neural mechanisms underlying plasticity and learning; individual differences. The module consists of a series of 22 lectures, 2 seminars and 2 practical classes.
Week 1
LEC1: Introduction
Week 2
LEC2&3: Neurodevelopment
PRAC: Neuroanatomy
Week 3
LEC4&5: Neurogenetics
Week 4
LEC6&7: Sensory Systems (NEW)
Week 5
LEC8&9: Motor Systems (NEW)
SEM: Behavioural Genetics
Week 6
LEC10&11: Neurotransmission
Week 7
LEC12&13: Excitation
Week 8
LEC14&15: Inhibition
PRAC: Action Potentials
Week 9
LEC16&17: Neuromodulation
Week 10
LEC18&19: Emotion
Week 11
LEC20&21: Cognition and Reward
SEM: Exploring Human Conditions
Week 12
LEC23: Summary and Revision
Personality and individual difference will be highlighted and focused on at various points in the module through:
Gene Environment Interactions
Biomarkers / Endophenotypes
Pharmacogenetics - Individualized Medicine
Module learning outcomes
They should understand the relevance of underlying biological phenomena to the explanation of behaviour. In particular they should understand how the nervous system codes incoming sensory information and produces integrated sequences of motor action.
They should be aware of the ways in which commonly used psychotrophic drugs affect brain function and should appreciate how the nervous system contributes to adaptive behaviour.
They should have developed, during the demonstration/CAL sessions, their knowledge of human brain structure and the functioning of fundamental units of the brain.
They should be able to describe and evaluate the role of individual differences in at least one area of biological psychology.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Unseen Examination | Semester 1 Assessment | 70.00% |
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Practical Report | T1 Week 10 | 50.00% |
| Practical Report | T1 Week 5 | 50.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 222222222222 |
| Autumn Semester | Practical | 2 hours | 001000010000 |
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 1 hour | 000001000010 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Sarah King
Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/9946
Dr Jenny Bosten
Assess convenor
/profiles/348308
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