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NEUR40130

Academic Year 2024/2025

Higher Cortical Function (NEUR40130)

Subject:
Neuroscience
College:
Science
School:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Professor John O'Connor
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module runs alongside the B.Sc. Neuroscience degree programme. It is designed to give an in-depth knowledge to students on brain control of movement and higher cortical function and how this information is integrated in the central nervous system. Major topics covered include: motor cortex, lateral and medial motor pathways, posture, brainstem and spinal reflexes, basal ganglia, cerebellum, reticular activating system, thalamus, language and sleep. This module has a particular focus on synaptic plasticity, learning and behaviour.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. have an understanding of integrated nervous control of movement and higher cortical functions such as memory, emotion, behaviour and sleep.
2. have an understanding of motor reflexes and posture as well as how dysfunction of the motor system affects these
parameters.
3. Provide experience of computer aided learning.
4. Learn skills in communicating neuroscience concepts in a clear and scientific manner.

Indicative Module Content:

Major topics covered include: functional organisation of the brain and neocortex, the motor cortex, lateral and medial motor pathways, posture, brainstem and spinal reflexes, basal ganglia, cerebellum, reticular activating system, thalamus, language, sleep, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, the hippocampus, the amygdala, the endocannabinoid system, consciousness and behaviour.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

21
Autonomous Student Learning

180
Total

201

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
lectures; group work; writing; active/task-based learning;

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

A basic foundation in neuroscience


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
NEUR30070 - Higher Cortical Function


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): 2 hour 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 8 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
10
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Essay based on a topic from the Module. Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 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, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided on the essay assignments

Name Role
Assoc Professor Nuala Brady Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Gary Brennan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Caroline Herron Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Sean Quinlan 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, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 Mon 15:00 - 15:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 15:00 - 15:50
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