NEUR30060 Sensory Neuroscience

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module forms part of the curriculum for the B.Sc. degree in Neuroscience. The course describes in detail the anatomy and physiology of the sensory system and the main sensory pathways and transduction of sensory information. Emphasis is placed on the physiological processing of sensory information at the receptor level and in the sensory cortex. The module describes in detail the special senses with particular focus on the optics of the eye and central processing of vision, and also hearing, vestibular function, olfaction and gustation. The physiological basis of pain is also described. Some diseases of the senses are also alluded to. Practicals in sensory neuroscience, including the eye and ear are carried out during the trimester.

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Curricular information is subject to change

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 of the optics and physiology of vision
3. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the physiology of cutaneous receptors, hearing and balance, gustation and olfaction.
4. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the physiology of pain.
5. Acquire laboratory skills in measuring optic and auditory function, including the writing of laboratory reports.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

2
Practical

15
Autonomous Student Learning

69
Total

110
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, Student Presentations, Lab 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 Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Report(s): Practical write-ups are required to be submitted 1 to 2 weeks after each practical. n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20
Participation in Learning Activities: Each students will present a topic from a list of 7 lasting 5 to 7 minutes with 2 minutes of questions. n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10
Exam (In-person): 2 hour essay based end of module exam covering all aspects of the course. n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60
Exam (In-person): Mid term MCQ exam on all aspects of the course. n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

10

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
Dr Alan Hoban Tutor