| Unit name | Neurobiology: from nerve cells to behaviour |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BIOL20102 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1B (weeks 7 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Soffe |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites | |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Biological Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
This unit explores the ways that nervous systems work to allow animals to behave. We start by considering the basic components of nervous systems, the neurones, and how they operate and communicate with each other at synapses using chemical transmitters. The ways that neurones are used to inform animals about the world around them will then be illustrated with selected examples of sensory systems. We will then look at how nervous systems generate behaviour, starting with simple reflexes and moving on to more complex behaviour. Practicals will explore the anatomy and physiology of nervous systems with an emphasis on electrical recording of neural activity. Two practicals involve making electrical recordings from living insects. We consider that practical experience with living animals is an important part of our course, especially making electrical recordings of nerve cell activities. The other hands-on experience uses dissection to examine the structures of the nervous system. Since this part of the course counts for 40% of the assessment it is not at all trivial. Each student will undertake 4 x 3-hour practical classes.
