PHYS30280 Psychiatric and Neurological brain disorders

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module outlines the biological and neural basis of a number of psychiatric and neurological disorders. It addresses the underlying clinical phenotypes and how they are influenced by genetic, biological and environmental factors. Topics include both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders as varied as autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorders, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and psychopathy. This module also highlights shared traits across these brain disorders and their common biological / neural substrates. Where relevant, treatment approaches and translational models are also discussed.

Tutorial and/or practical demonstration sessions focused on selected topics will also be carried out. These will also seek to highlight the clinical and patient-voice elements related to these brain disorders.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module students should be able to:

Describe the mechanisms underlying different brain disorders.
Describe those genetic, environmental and neural factors affecting central nervous system involvement in psychiatric and neurological disorders.
Explain the common mechanisms and shared comorbidity underlying traits associated with these disorders
Describe the most relevant clinical phenotypes and current treatment approaches
Describe relevant animal translational models of the traits underlying brain disorders

Indicative Module Content:

Topics include both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders as varied as autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorders, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and psychopathy. Each disorder will highlight the current knowledge of genomic, neural and somatic mechanisms. Where appropriate, translational approaches will also be introduced.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

18
Small Group

6
Autonomous Student Learning

96
Total

120
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Small group lectures, tutorials and / or practicals
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade

Not yet recorded.

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
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?

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment • Group/class feedback, post-assessment

Name Role
Dr Marian Tsanov Lecturer / Co-Lecturer