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NEUR30060

Academic Year 2025/2026

Sensory Neuroscience (NEUR30060)

Subject:
Neuroscience
College:
Science
School:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Olga Baron
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 is part of the B.Sc. Neuroscience curriculum and explores the anatomy and physiology of the sensory system, focusing on sensory pathways and information transduction. It emphasises sensory data processing at the receptor level and in the sensory cortex, with special focus on vision, hearing, and pain, as well as vestibular function, olfaction, and gustation. Sensory-related diseases are briefly covered. Practical sessions in sensory neuroscience, including studies of the eye and ear, are conducted throughout the trimester. Students will learn to critically assess primary literature and, through group activities, acquire feedback literacy, and use digital tools to design and present follow-up experiments.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module students should be able to:
1. Understand the anatomy of sensory pathways and sensory receptors
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding physiology of vision, cutaneous receptors, hearing, balance, gustation, olfaction, and pain.
3. Acquire laboratory skills in measuring optic and auditory function, as well as in the application of histological stains to brain tissue, and create associated laboratory reports.
4. Develop capacity to read and analyse primary literature, critically assess outcomes and start designing follow-up experiments.
5. Understand concepts and requirements needed to conduct an unbiased and reliable experimentation process.
6. Develop collaborative skills, including how to give and recieve feedback, and to effectively communicate design outcomes.
7. Apply the use of digital support tools to experimental designs and to effective communication of design outcomes

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Tutorial

6
Practical

9
Autonomous Student Learning

83
Total

120

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, Student Presentations, Lab work, Tutorials, Peer-review and Group work

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

NEUR20050 or PHYS20020 or equivalent learning


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PHYS30220 - Neuromuscular Physiology

Equivalents:
Sensory Neuroscience (BMOL30060), Sensory Neuroscience (PHYS30150)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): 2 hour essay based end of module exam covering all aspects of the course, including experimental design End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
60
 No
Exam (In-person): Mid term MCQ exam on all aspects of the course. Week 7 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
10
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Critically assess primary literature and, as a group, submit an assessment for peer review; as an individual, provide feedback to peers; as a group, develop and present an experimental design. Week 6, Week 10, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
15
 No
Report(s): Practical write-ups are required to be submitted on the day after each practical. Week 3, Week 7, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
15
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
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
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Olga Baron Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Caroline Herron Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor John O'Connor Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Alan Hoban Tutor
Konstantinos Matheoudakis Tutor
Ms Jennifer Murray Tutor
Alessandro Salamone Tutor

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) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 33 Fri 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 32 Fri 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 22, 24, 26, 30, 32 Tues 10:00 - 12:50
Spring Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 22, 24, 26, 30, 32 Thurs 10:00 - 12:50
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