BIOC40060 Advanced Neurochemistry

Academic Year 2021/2022

This course is a core module for Stage 4 of the BSc honours degree programmes in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Neuroscience. The following topics are included: molecular basis of neurotransmitter release, neurotransmitter biosynthesis and metabolisms, brain energy metabolisms, structure, function and regulation of neurotransmitter transporters, molecular mechanisms of epilepsy, depression and drug addiction.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:1. Describe in details the molecular basis of neurotransmitter release and transport; 2. Be able to critically evaluate current research relating to neurotransmitter metabolism, transport and neuronal signaling; 3. Discuss the relationship between neurotransmitter systems and psychiatric disorders

Indicative Module Content:

Lecture list:

1. Neurotransmission; Energy metabolism in the brain
2. Monoamine neurotransmitters and receptors
3. Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurotransmitters and receptors
4. Vesicular transporters
5. Plasma membrane transporters
6. Tutorial transporters
7. Serotonin/monoamine theory of depression
8. Drug addiction
9. Tutorial depression & addiction
10. The neurocentric view of epilepsy
11. “Supporting” cells in epilepsy
12. Tutorial epilepsy

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12

Specified Learning Activities

20

Autonomous Student Learning

70

Total

102

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will be delivered over a 4-week period, with 3 contact hours each week.

All contact hours in week 1 and two contact hours each week in weeks 2-4 will be delivered as standard lectures.

In weeks 2-4 one contact hour will be dedicated to a class discussion related to that week's lecture topic in form of a tutorial/class discussion based on one or two original research publications. In preparation of these tutorial sessions students are required to independently read and critically analyse selected research publications.

Throughout the module, students are required to read and critically analyse advanced text book material and research articles related to and complementing the lecture material.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

It is recommended that students taking this module will have successfully completed BMOL30040 or other modules with equivalent learning outcomes


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PATH30060 - Genetics,perinatal,paediatric


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Essay Unspecified n/a Graded No

50

Examination: exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

50


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

individual and/or in class feedback on formative assignments associated with tutorial sessions Feedback will be given to students through VLE following grading of the exam outlining expected answers (bullet point model answers) and criteria for different grade categories (e.g. rubrics). If requested, individual feedback will be given to students post-assessment.

Name Role
Dr Gary Brennan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer