Neuroanatomy
| Module title | Neuroanatomy |
|---|---|
| Module code | NEU2004 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Miguel Dasilva Ogando (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 0 | 11 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 60 |
|---|
Module description
Neuroanatomy describes the structure and organization of the nervous system. Knowledge of neuroanatomy is essential to understand the function and disfunction of the nervous system and to prevent and treat neurological disorders. In this module you will learn the main structural characteristics and organization of the human brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. You will also learn to correlate the characteristics of these structures across animal species and will gain an understanding of the different techniques used in their study. This is an optional module for students in BSc Neuroscience, although it is also open to students from BSc Medical Sciences subject to capacity. This module builds on the knowledge gained in the NEU1006 module, however you may have covered similar material elsewhere. If you have not studied the preliminary content, you should still be able to successfully complete this module by undertaking some additional study, but you should discuss this further with your academic tutor and the module convenor.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The main objective of the module is to provide you with an overview of the structure and spatial organization of the nervous system. This will help you understand how sensory, motor, and cognitive information is processed by the brain in health and disease. You will complement this with hands-on experience using anatomy models and brain specimens.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Describe the coverings and blood supply of the central nervous system.
- 2. Explain the suitability of animal models to study human neuroanatomy.
- 3. Outline the major divisions of the brain and cerebellum.
- 4. Describe the segmental anatomy and divisions of the peripheral nervous system.
- 5. Characterize the spatial organization of the cerebral cortex and its connections with subcortical structures.
- 6. Describe the major tracts involved in the transmission of sensory and motor information.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the principles underlying the study of neuroanatomy.
- 8. Evaluate the specific challenges facing the characterisation of neuroanatomical structures.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 9. Critically evaluate primary sources of information.
- 10. Produce clear scientific writing.
Syllabus plan
The precise content of the module will vary from year to year, but the following information gives a description of the typical overall structure. The module begins with a lecture in the first week to outline its broad aims and structure. For each of the following ten weeks there will be a one-hour lecture that will cover the main aspects of the different structures of the nervous system. Aligned with these lectures, there will be a series of seminars to help you consolidate your knowledge using neuroanatomy models and preserved specimens. To further reinforce your understanding of the structural characteristics and organisation of the nervous system, the module will also include brain dissection sessions, where you will learn to correlate neuroanatomical structures across species and will understand the suitability of animal models to study the human brain. To help you prepare the summative components of the module, there will be a set of workshops dedicated to assessment and revision. In the final week of the module, there will be one-hour lecture to wrap up on content and assessment-related questions.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | 117 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching | 2 | Module introduction and wrap lectures (2 x1h) |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching | 10 | Seminars (5 x 2h) |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching | 4 | Workshops (2 x 1h + 1 x 2 h) |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching | 7 | Brain dissections (2 x 2h + 1 x 3h) |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching | 10 | Lectures (10 x 1h) |
| Guided Independent Study | 10 | Preparation for seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | 27 | Preparation for coursework |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engagement and performance in seminars, workshops and dissections | During sessions | 1-10 | Verbal |
| Online practice short answer and interpretation questions | Weekly ELE questions with model answers | 1-10 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Write-up | 40 | 1,000 words | 1-10 | Written |
| Exam | 60 | 1 hour | 1-10 | Verbal (on request) from module lead |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Write-up (40%) | Literature review (1,000 words) (40%) | 1-10 | Referral/Deferral Period |
| Exam (60%) | Exam (1 hour) (60%) | 1-10 | Referral/Deferral Period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Netter's Atlas of Neuroscience 4th Edition (2021), D. Felten et al., ISBN: 9780323756549.
- Neuroanatomy: An Illustrated Colour text 7th Edition (2024), A.R. Crossman and D. Neary, ISBN9780443114847
- Barr's The Human Nervous System: An Anatomical Viewpoint 10th Edition (2014), J. A. Kiernan and R. Rajakumar, ISBN: 978-1451173277
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 16/02/21 |
| Last revision date | 19/02/2025 |
