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NEUR30010

Academic Year 2024/2025

Principles of Nervous System Development (NEUR30010)

Subject:
Neuroscience
College:
Science
School:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Oliver Blacque
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module forms part of the core curriculum for the BSc degree in Neuroscience. The course introduces the development of the nervous system at a molecular, cellular and systems level along with core underlying principles. We outline the anatomical growth and division of the brain and its driving forces such as gene expression, developmental signaling and cell population expansion, and consider questions such as neural induction, polarity/segmentation, differentiation, cell migration, axon growth/guidance, target selection, synapse formation/maturation and neuronal maintenance. Also, general properties of inter- and intra- cellular signaling and communication relevant to neurons will be outlined. The course also contains a 1-day animal development practical, held during the first week of the March reading break, where students follow the development of zebrafish embryos from fertilisation to neurulation. Students will also conduct group project work, focused on designing teaching slides on a topic related to the course.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to: (1) Explain the anatomical development of the nervous system from flies to man. (2) Describe fundamental molecular and cellular processes underling nervous system and brain development. (3) Explain in detail the development and connectivity of systems such as the cortex. (4) Possess a good understanding of cellular signaling and communication processes relevant to neurons. (5) Acquire laboratory skills related to the development of the central nervous system. (6) Acquire skills in the writing up of practical reports in a clear and scientific manner. (7) Acquire small group teamwork skills, (8) Acquire written and presentational (Powerpoint slides, oral) skills.

Indicative Module Content:

- Introduction to general concepts in development
- Early embryogenesis to neurulation
- Early neural Induction
- Nervous system patterning
- Nervous system cell genesis
- Nervous system cell death and survival
- Nervous system cell determination and differentiation
- Neuronal cell migration
- Axon growth and guidance
- Neurite target selection
- Synapse formation & refinement

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

81
Lectures

20
Conversation Class

0
Practical

9
Total

110

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
- Lectures
- Lab work: day long practical on zebrafish development (to neurulation); held during week 1 of March reading break
- Group work: students work in small groups (6 per group) to research, design and present teaching aids on topics related to course

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students must have taken NEUR20050 or equivalent


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Principles of nervous system (BMOL20040), Nervous System Development (NEUR20040)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Group Work Assignment: Work with a small group (6 students), researching a topic related to the course. Students will generate notes and Powerpoint slides, and deliver a group presentation to course instructors. Week 4 Graded No
15
 No
Exam (In-person): Mid term MCQ Week 7 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
15
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Write up of laboratory practical on animal development Week 11 Graded No
15
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Spot MCQ at the end of 3 random lectures throughout the course (note that the week timings shown are solely indicative and not fixed). Week 3, Week 7, Week 11 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
5
 No
Exam (In-person): Exit exam. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

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

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Carmel Hensey Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Niamh O'Sullivan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 21 Fri 10:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 23 Fri 10:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 Mon 12:00 - 12:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 27 Thurs 09:00 - 16:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 21 Tues 15:00 - 15:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 25 Tues 15:00 - 15:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 27 Wed 09:00 - 16:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
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