This taught course serves as an introduction to fundamental principles and research approaches in neuroscience. It will cover the basics of gross and cellular neuroanatomy and introduce key topics in neurophysiology ranging from synaptic transmission and plasticity to sensory information processing. The course will also cover important methods such as electrophysiology, cellular imaging, chemogenetics, optogenetics, transcriptomics and genetic modifications. The course will offer useful knowledge and skills for other courses on the programme.

There will be 12 hours of lectures over the course of semester 1. There will be 3x 2-hour dry practicals that each start with an assessed MCQ on the course content so far. There will be 1x 2-hour revision session (seminar) at the end of the course.

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Assignment will consist of an MCQ portfolio (60%) and a 1 hour written exam (40%).

ILOs 1-4 will be assessed using the MCQ. ILOs 1-56 will be assessed using the written assignment.

■ To provide students with essential knowledge of fundamental concepts required to understand research in brain sciences while providing historical context and example applications in contemporary research.

■ To give students the intellectual and communication skills required for presentation of complex research concepts and findings to a non-specialist audience.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Identify, summarise, and critically evaluate foundational anatomical structures and physiological and biochemical concepts in Brain Sciences.

2. Critically appraise the role of synaptic transmission and plasticity for brain function.

3. Evaluate approaches for recording neural activity with electrophysiology and functional imaging.

4. Critically assess the utility of genetic tools for monitoring and manipulating brain function.

5. Critically evaluate primary and secondary research literature.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.