Brain and Behaviour

The brain plays a central role in regulating physiological processes and behaviour. Indeed, many types of behaviour are shaped by a drive to meet fundamental physiological needs. But how does the brain balance and prioritise the demands of these complex, and sometimes competing, needs? In this module you will begin to explore the complexity of regulating behaviour and the neural mechanisms that underpin these processes. By understanding data from a variety of model organisms, you will learn about pathways in the brain underlying motivation and reward, and how these interact with other systems regulating phenomena such as mood, learning and memory.  Finally, you will consider how changes in these systems may contribute to and be impacted by disease.  

This is an optional module for BSc Neuroscience students. NEU1006 Introduction to Neuroscience (formerly CSC1006) is a recommended pre-requisite module; however, you may have covered similar material elsewhere. If you have not studied the preliminary content, you should be able to successfully complete this module by undertaking some additional study but should discuss this further with your Academic Tutor and the Module Convener.  

This module is not suitable for non-specialist students. 

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:   

The module begins with an introductory lecture in week 1 to outline the broad aims and structure of the module and introduce the assessments. In week 1, there will also be a session focused on skills for reading scientific literature and writing commentaries on research articles. 

There will then be a total of 10 lectures, split into three blocks outlined below. Example content: 

Each teaching block will include at least one two-hour data interpretation workshop, during which you will work through example exam questions and model answers. There will also be a workshop on animal ethics and experimental models. These will help you develop skills needed for theâ?¯summative examination.â?¯ 

Interspersed through the module will be four two-hour ‘peer review’ workshop sessions, that will introduce critical analysis of primary literature and help you to develop the skills for the peer review summary coursework assessment. 

You will be assessed on the content of the lectures and workshop sessions in a final written exam made up of short answer and data interpretation questions. In the final week of the module there is a one-hour exam information and preparation lecture. 

Students who are deferred in the ‘peer-review’ style critical evaluation coursework will submit the original assessment. 

Students who are referred in the ‘peer-review’ style critical evaluation coursework will submit a new equivalent assessment in the ref/def period. 

Please also refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/ 

‘The Hippocampus Book’ (2006) Andersen et al New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN-13: 9780195100273. Chapters 10-12 

‘Pharmacology’ 8 th Edition (2015), Rang et al, ISBN: 978-0702053627, Section 4: The Nervous System, Chapters 36-38, 40, 46-48 

“Drugs, Addiction, and the Brain”.?Le Moal,?M.,?Koob,?G.?F.,?Arends,?M.?A.?(2014).?Netherlands:?Elsevier Science. 

“Writing for Science Students”?– Boyle & Ramsey?ISBN-13:?978-1137571519?