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Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience

Module description

Our brains control our physiology, cognition, and behavior through a vast array of signaling pathways within and between cells, the coordinated activity of which form the basis of neural networks. In this module you will be introduced to the primary cell types in the central nervous system and the electrical and biochemical signaling pathways that enable communication between them. With focus on the primary research literature, these concepts will be explored in the context of experimental tools used in the laboratory and beyond. Taught by a combination of online lectures and interactive small group seminars, the neuropharmacological and neurophysiological concepts learned in this module provide a fundamental grounding in molecular and cellular neuroscience.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to acquaint you with several of the core principles and cutting-edge research in neuroscience. The core content will include neuroanatomy, intercellular communication, neuropharmacology, the molecular and cellular biology of synaptic plasticity, development and regeneration of the nervous system, integrative mechanisms, perception and cognition, sensation and molecular mechanisms and consequences of nervous system injury. You will also learn about how advances in basic research are driving the development of novel therapeutics for CNS disorders.
Sessions will be taught by staff members with specific expertise in the subject areas, through a combination of pre-recorded lecture videos and small group seminars, focused on primary research literature.
The module will incorporate current research findings and promote independent learning and peer conversation. This will introduce students to the field of neuroscience and the major research areas, thereby preparing students with diverse backgrounds for subsequent course modules.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic mammalian nervous system, including the major anatomical divisions and the different structures of both central and peripheral nervous system and how they connect with each other.
• 2. Distinguish, and be familiar with the different cell types; recognising their diverse developmental origins, function and how they communicate with one another, including axon guidance.
• 3. Discriminate between the different ligand receptor superfamilies, in particular G-protein coupled receptors and ligand-gated receptor channels, considering both their functional and pharmacological properties.
• 4. Describe the importance of the biophysical properties of voltage-gated ion channels and the central role of calcium ions that underly the principles that produce changes in membrane potential.
• 5. Illustrate how synaptic communication occurs and can be modulated at presynaptic terminals, across the synaptic cleft, and at the postsynaptic membrane.
• 6. Relate how the mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission and cellular signalling, contribute to cellular excitability, with reference to the basic principles of intra- and intercellular communication.
• 7. Appreciate how energy metabolism supports cerebral function.
• 8. Distinguish between the differing concepts relating to aspects of cognitive neuroscience e.g memory, language, attention, vision, and emotion.
• 9. Discover how integrative mechanisms such as the autonomic nervous system could regulate behaviour.
• 10. Critically evaluate the different experimental methodologies used to investigate synaptic plasticity, cognition, and behaviour.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 11. Outline how experiments involving humans contribute to our understanding of the brain
• 12. Discuss some key research techniques commonly used in neuroscience.
• 13. Evaluate the specific challenges in data collection within the discipline of neuropharmacology research

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 14. Communicate accurately and effectively with peers, tutors, and the scientific community
• 15. Integrate complex material as you develop critical arguments
• 16. Develop the skills for independent study

Syllabus plan

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

This module has a blended approach to teaching; therefore, material will be delivered through a mixture of structured online pre-recorded lecture videos, in person taught sessions and self-directed learning. Lectures will be delivered via pre-recorded videos. Interactive seminars and facilitated discussions will take place live in-person. 

The module begins with an introductory lecture in week 1 which outlines the aims of the module, structure and introduces the assessments.

The module is organised to introduce the topics :

• Basic principles of neuroanatomy
• Development and regeneration of the Nervous System
• Electrical Excitability and Ion Channels
• Intercellular communication
• Synaptic Transmission and Cellular signalling
• Energy metabolism of the brain
• Molecular and Cellular Biology of Synaptic plasticity
• Introduction to cognition, perception, and sensation.
• Integrative Mechanisms: Autonomic nervous system and behaviour
• Diseases and disorders

Small Group Seminars 

Every week you will also have a two-hour interactive seminar session. These will alternate between being a journal club and a consolidation workshop. In the journal clubs you will undertake critical appraisal of related primary research paper(s) facilitated by specialist academics. In the consolidation workshops you will have an in-class  quiz (multiple choice questions and short answer) on the topic covered in that block and review tutorial style questions on the topic.

At the end of the first term, you will write a summative grant proposal. To guide you on this there will be two writing workshops, each will be two hours long. At the first seminar you will work in groups and prepare a mock research proposal which you will present as a group. In the second seminar you will be provided with research topic and will discuss these in groups.

After the second term, you will be assessed on the content of the lectures and seminar sessions from term 1 and 2 in the May exam period, this will take the form of a short and long answer exam paper including data interpretation style questions. In the final week of  term 2 there is also a two hour exam information and preparation lecture.  

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

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

BASIC MODULE READING:
• Principles of Neural Science, 5th Edition. Kandel, Schwartz, Jessel, Siegelbaum& Hudspeth.
• 'Pharmacology', eds. Rang, Dale, Ritter
• Basic Neurochemistry, 8th Edition. Brady, Siegel, Wayne Albers and Price

TOPIC SPECIFIC READING:
Specific reading for each topic will be made available on ELE.

Key words search

Molecular and Cellular, Neuroscience, Brain, Development, Synapse, neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology