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NEUR30060

Academic Year 2024/2025

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 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.

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 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
Autonomous Student Learning

69

Lectures

24

Tutorial

2

Practical

15

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 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. 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
Report(s): Practical write-ups are required to be submitted 1 to 2 weeks after each practical. Week 5, Week 7, Week 9, Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
No
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. Week 11, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
10
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
Dr Alan Hoban 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