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BB50249: Molecular neuroscience and neurodegeneration

[Page last updated: 02 August 2022]

Academic Year: 2022/23
Owning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Credits: 15 [equivalent to 30 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 300
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Academic Year
Assessment Summary: CW 50%, EX 50%
Assessment Detail:
  • Research Presentation (CW 50%)
  • Synoptic Written Examination (EX 50%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: By the end of this unit you will be able to:
* Examine the properties and interactions of the various classes of receptors and ion channels in the mammalian CNS;
* Examine and analyse advanced-level molecular and cellular processes underlying the neurochemical basis of brain disorders;
* Demonstrate an integrative and critically evaluative approach to the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments for common neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions;
* Present a research seminar that critically evaluates the research on neurodegenerative disorders in terms of the models available for researching them.

Aims: The unit aims to
a) Provide an advanced review of the molecular and cellular processes underlying intercellular communication in the nervous system;
b) Provide an understanding of the neurochemical basis of brain disorders, their causes and treatments.

Content: Students considering taking this option should have an interest in understanding of the neurochemical basis of diverse brain disorders, their causes and treatments. Topics include methods of studying human brain dysfunction, altered neurochemistry of selected neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, with respect to neurochemical aspects of their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention, structure-function relationships of receptors and ion channels, spatio-temporal regulation of their expression, synthesis, release and uptake of neurotransmitters.

Programme availability:

BB50249 is Optional (DEU) on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
  • RSBB-AFM50 : Integrated PhD Molecular Biosciences (Medical Biosciences)
  • TSBB-AFM50 : MSc Molecular Biosciences (Medical Biosciences)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2022/23 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2023/24 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2022/23.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.