Neural Circuits
| Module title | Neural Circuits |
|---|---|
| Module code | NEU2018 |
| Academic year | 2021/2 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Jonathan Witton (Convenor) Dr Talitha Kerrigan (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 90 |
|---|
Module description
Neural networks are formed from massively interconnected ensembles of neurons; these connections are extensive yet remarkably selective. Deciphering the mechanistic basis of these networks holds a key to understanding the operation of nervous systems, and a means to link the neurophysiology of individual neurons to an animal’s behaviour.
This module examines in detail our current understanding of neural circuits, placing in a clear contemporary context many of the cell-types and basic principles that you have already encountered. Specifically, you will consider how circuits become connected, can be studied, and may malfunction in disease.
NEU1006 (formerly CSC1006) Introduction to Neuroscience is a pre-requisite for this module. This module is mandatory for students studying BSc Neuroscience, and optional for other BSc Medical Sciences pathways. Students in other disciplines may take the module if they meet the pre-requisites.
Module aims - intentions of the module
Learning will be framed around four main themes:
1. Anatomy and physiology of neural circuits
a. Inhibitory and excitatory cells: the under-appreciated diversity.
b. Neuromodulators: a functional perspective.
c. Cellular basis of neural rhythms: the balance between excitation and inhibition, and their role in distinctive patterns of oscillation.
2. Functional roles of neural circuits
a. Sensory and movement circuits.
b. Neural circuits underlying learning and memory.
3. Development of neural circuits
a. The embryonic origin of inhibitory and excitatory neurons.
b. Circuit assembly: synaptogenesis and neuron maturation.
4. Neurological disorders: a role for circuit defects?
a. Developmental perturbations in circuit formation: autism.
b. Dynamic failures of circuit function: neurodegeneration.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Identify key differences between specific subtypes of inhibitory and excitatory neurons.
- 2. Evaluate contributions of non-neuronal cells to neural circuit structure and function.
- 3. Illustrate how neuromodulatory projections can regulate the function of neural circuits.
- 4. Explain the cellular basis of neural synchrony in local circuits.
- 5. Demonstrate some of the ways in which biological rhythms arise from neural circuits.
- 6. Evaluate the properties of neural circuits underlying perception and behaviour.
- 7. Describe some of the processes underlying neural circuit maturation.
- 8. Evaluate evidence that different neurological diseases are manifest through specific deficits in circuit function.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 9. Describe some of the different methods and tools used to study neural circuit function.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 10. Carry out targeted literature searches using bibliographic databases
- 11. Analyse and critically interpret information from targeted literature.
- 12. Clearly communicate scientific concepts through written, oral and other media.
Syllabus plan
The module’s precise content will vary from year to year, but the following information gives a detailed description of the typical overall structure.
The module will begin with an introductory lecture to outline the broad aims and structure of the module, and will close with a wrap/feedback session. Content will be taught across several formats tailored to the module learning outcomes.
Lectures
A series of sixteen one-hour lectures will each introduce key concepts in the development, anatomy and neurophysiology of neural circuits, encompassing both health and disease. Lectures will be split into four blocks, each covering different themes of neural circuitry. Lecture content will be examined by an end of module exam consisting of short answer and data interpretation questions.
Data interpretation workshops
Each teaching block will be followed by a 2-hour data interpretation workshop. These sessions will focus on learning to interpret data from scientific literature and apply knowledge learned in the lectures to answer formative questions. Students are expected to review the questions in advance of the workshop and will work together in small groups in class to pool their knowledge.
Scientific writing workshops
Skills in scientific writing will be developed through two 2-hour workshops. These sessions will address themes such as using bibliographic databases, evaluating primary literature and the format of a review article, and will help to students to complete a literature review assignment
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 120 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 2 | 2 x 1-hour module introduction and feedback sessions. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 16 | 16 x 1-hour lectures. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 8 | 4 x 2-hour data interpretation workshops. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 4 | 2 x 2-hour scientific writing workshops. |
| Guided Independent Study | 4 | Literature searches, reading and preparation for data interpretation workshops. |
| Guided Independent Study | 36 | Literature review assignment. Includes literature searching and reading (25 hours), planning (3 hours) and writing (8 hours). |
| Guided Independent Study | 80 | Reading and preparation for lectures and exam |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice SAQ and data interpretation questions (in-class and in data interpretation workshops) | 8 hours | 1-12 | Verbal (in-class) and model answers |
| Literature review plan | 500 words | 1-12 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 70 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Literature review | 30 | 1,500 words | 1-12 | Written |
| Exam: short answers and data interpretation | 70 | 2 hours | 1-9,11-12 | Written (on request) |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Literature review (30%) | Literature review (1500 words) | 1-12 | Ref/Def period |
| Exam: short answers and data interpretation (70%) | Exam: short answers and data interpretation ( 2 hours) | 1-9,11-12 | Ref/Def period |
Re-assessment notes
Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Course textbook:
• Principles of Neural Science, 5th Edition. Kandel, Schwartz, Jessel, Siegelbaum& Hudspeth.
Basic reading:
• Lerner, Li & Deisseroth (2016). Communication in Neural Circuits: Tools, Opportunities, and Challenges. Cell. 164(6): 1136-1150. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2016.02.027.
• Pelkey, Chittajallu, Craig, Tricoire, Wester & McBain (2017). Hippocampal GABAergic Inhibitory Interneurons. Physiological Reviews. 97(4): 1619-1747. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2016.02.027.
Specific reading:
• For each lecture, a list of references will be provided. These should be available as online PDFs via the University of Exeter library (electronic journals).
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | NEU1006 or CSC1006 |
| Module co-requisites | N/A |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/02/2021 |
| Last revision date | 17/05/2021 |
