Unit information: Integrative Neuroendocrinology and Behaviour in 2011/12

Unit name	Integrative Neuroendocrinology and Behaviour
Unit code	ANAT32124
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Fulford
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None,
Co-requisites	None.
School/department	School of Anatomy
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will explore the general anatomical and functional organisation of hypothalamic peptidergic neurons contributing to neuroendocrine control, and factors that govern the relationship between neuronal firing and neuropeptide release. Neuroendocrine responses to stress, and the activity and regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis will be studied, with focus on the roles of monoamine neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and opioids. Additional factors that govern the development of stress responses and related behaviour will be considered, in particular early environmental factors.

Aims:

The aim of this unit is to review the integration of neuroendocrine function and behaviour, in particular the role of oxytocin in controlling reproductive and social behaviours. The effects of acute and chronic stress will be discussed and the consequences for stress vulnerability and disease susceptibility will be considered in the context of mental health.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Understand the way in which the neuroendocrine system acts as an interface between the brain and the body

• Account for the cellular organisation of individual neuroendocrine neurons and the relationship between electrical activity and hormone secretion

• Be able to describe the organisation of the hypothalamic oxytocin secreting neurons and the role of autoregulation by oxytocin itself in controlling and synchronising their firing

• Be able to describe the neuroendocrine control of the HPA axis, the integration of activating stimuli and feedback

• Understand the concepts of a stress response, stressor and stress adaptation

• Understand the importance of catecholamines and neuropeptides in the mediation and regulation of stress responses

• Be able to discuss the role of neuroendocrine peptides in behaviour

• Understand the how social behavioural roles of oxytocin in animals relate to evidence that oxytocin may be implicated in certain behavioural disorders in humans (eg. autism)

• Know how the early life environment may shape stress responses, and the significance of stress in mental health

Teaching Information

Lectures and seminars

Assessment Information

Formative (peer marked) Library project (2500 words)

Summative: Scientific poster: 15%

Summative: 3-hour Sessional examination: 85%. Section A: 1.5 hour essay on integrative content of seminars; Section B: 1.5 hour essay on data interpretation and/or method analysis.

Reading and References

A list of papers and other readings will be provided in class.