AN4301: DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROSCIENCE (WITH ANATOMY) (2021-2022)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05

Course Overview

Ever wondered where your brain comes from?;

This course merges cutting edge developmental biology, neuroscience, and cellular physiology to describe how the nervous system arises and gets "wired up";

The bewildering arrays of cells in the nervous system interconnect in highly specific ways. Here you will learn what dictates neuronal cell fate, how neurons find appropriate partners and how cells communicate to generate behaviour.

In addition to lectures from dynamic researchers and anatomical dissection sessions, this course will hone core skills for basic scientists and medics through group presentation work, independent library research and scientific writing

Course Details

Study Type	Undergraduate	Level	4
Term	First Term	Credit Points	15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus	Aberdeen	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Dr A Rajnicek

Qualification Prerequisites

Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

One of Intercalating (Studied) or AN3008 Tissue Organisations (Passed) or AN3009 Architecture of Life (Passed)
Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4
Either Intercalating (Studied) or BM2509 Human Anatomy B (Passed)
Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

This course considers development of the nervous system in a broad context. Topics include the initial establishment of the nervous system in an embryo, the birth and migration of nerve cells, nerve growth and guidance mechanisms, synapse formation, and development of the eye and brain cortex. Discussion of nervous system plasticity encompasses stem cells and regeneration following injury or disease. Students will also develop an understanding of how to undertake human cadaveric dissection and the issues surrounding such work.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt:

Presentation 15%

Dissection 7.5%

Essay 7.5%

Exam 70%

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome
Factual	Remember	ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.