Neural Circuits
| Module title | Neural Circuits |
|---|---|
| Module code | NEU2018 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Jonathan Witton (Lecturer) Dr Talitha Kerrigan (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 0 | 11 | 0 |
| 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 Introduction to Neuroscience is a pre-requisite for this module. This module is mandatory for students studying BSc Neuroscience, and optional for 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. Neuroglia.
d. Cellular basis of neural rhythms: the balance between excitation and inhibition, and their role in distinctive patterns of oscillation.
2. Sensory and movement circuits
3. Neural circuits of cognition
a. Neural circuits underlying learning and memory.
b. Neural circuits underlying perception and communication.
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. Evaluate the properties of neural circuits underlying perception and behaviour.
- 6. 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...
- 7. 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...
- 8. Carry out targeted literature searches using bibliographic databases.
- 9. Analyse and critically interpret information from targeted literature.
- 10. 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 thirteen one-hour lectures will each introduce key concepts in the 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. Two Q&A sessions will provide opportunity for students to ask questions of their lecturers in person. 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.
Methods workshop
A two-hour facilitated computer workshop will develop knowledge of experimental design and methods used to study neural circuit functions. Students will work in small groups to complete interactive problem sets with taught content linking to topics relevant to a summative literature review assignment.
Journal clubs
Skills in analysis and synthesis of primary literature will be developed through four 2-hour journal clubs. These sessions will involve discussion of a research paper facilitated by an academic specialist, who will provide an introduction to the paper and research topic. Featured literature will link to topics relevant to a summative 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | 115 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching | 2 | 2 x 1-hour module introduction and feedback sessions. |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching | 8 | 4 x 2-hour data interpretation workshops. |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching | 2 | 1 x 2-hour methods workshop. |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching | 8 | 4 x 2-hour journal clubs. |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching | 2 | 2 x 1-hour question and answer sessions. |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching | 13 | 13 x 1-hour lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | 16 | Literature searches, reading and preparation for data interpretation workshops. |
| Guided Independent Study | 34 | Literature review assignment. Includes literature searching and reading, planning and writing. |
| Guided Independent Study | 65 | 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 | 1-10 | Oral (in-class) and written model answers |
| Literature review plan | 500 words | 1-10 | 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 | 1-10 | Written |
| Exam: short answer and data interpretation questions | 70 | 2 hours | 1-7,9-10 | Written (on request) |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
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 (1,500 words) | 1-10 | Ref/Def period |
| Exam: short answer and data interpretation questions (70%) | Exam: short answer and data interpretation questions (2 hours) | 1-7, 9-10 | 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 |
| Module co-requisites | N/A |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/02/2018 |
| Last revision date | 02/03/2023 |
