Unit information: Techniques in Neuroscience in 2010/11

Unit name	Techniques in Neuroscience
Unit code	ANAT10103
Credit points	20
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Bortolotto
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	ANAT10101
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

During this unit, students will be introduced to the development of the nervous system and mechanisms of communication within the brain. Some of the fundamental techniques used in neuroscience and appreciation of the application of these methods in understanding brain function and common disorders will be considered. Laboratory activities will provide exposure to the current use and application of these techniques in neuroscience research. In addition, group activities will be undertaken to increase confidence in the use of information technology and to enhance relevant communication skills.

Aims:

The aim of the unit is to give insights into the common techniques used to study the central nervous system.

Intended Learning Outcomes

To this end the unit has been designed to meet the following objectives:

1. To teach students some of the common techniques and approaches to studying the central nervous system from subcellular structure to the whole brain.
2. To provide information on how some of these techniques are used to study development and disease.
3. To provide the students with experience of how some of these techniques are used in a modern research laboratory.

Other

Develop the following skills:

• Problem solving
• Group working
• Self-directed learning
• Oral presentation
• Written presentation
• Information management
• Time management

Specific learning objectives for individual lectures can be found in the Lecture synopses section (11.4) of this handbook or will be handed out during the course of the unit.

Teaching Information

Lectures:

These will provide you with the main concepts and information about the topic.

You write brief notes on the main points and can ask about anything that you have not understood. This provides you with a framework on which to build notes that will help you revise.

Practicals:

There are 4 sorts of practical in this unit: Compulsory

1. Problem based learning (PBL) in which a problem will be set and discussed. The results from the previous week’s problem will be presented. You will be asked as a group to research the problem set and provide a written report for the following week.
2. Technique focus: Following the session you will visit a research laboratory in the department. Also you will be asked to provide a write up of the virtual practical session.
3. Skill development: Individual PowerPoint presentation.

Library session: Introduction to Medline use and other library services

Assessment Information

There will be an end of unit examination paper. The facilitator will continuously assess the performance of individuals during group working. Group working will also be assessed by a written report on one of the problems and the oral presentation / debate of the problem. Technique Focus session will be assessed by a written report on the virtual sessions.

Reading and References

BOOKS

When investigating a subject for the first time, it is best to start with textbooks, which usually offer a good overview and explanation of a subject. To find out which books are available and where they are, use the Library Catalogue (follow the link from the Library web page). A growing number of books are also available to read online. You can see what is available through the Library Catalogue (http://www.bristol.ac.uk/library/support/subjects/phys-pharm/).

JOURNALS

For more detailed or up to date subject information, you should consult academic and scientific journals. The Library subscribes to thousands of online and print journals. Use Library Services’ e-journals search facility to find and access online journals. Use the Library Catalogue to find print journals. Follow the links to e-journals and print journals from the Library homepage. Most scientific journals are published online, but some are only available in print, particularly older issues.