BMS3013 : Disorders of the Human Nervous System
BMS3013 : Disorders of the Human Nervous System
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Christopher Morris
- Lecturer: Dr Yuki Kikuchi, Dr David Cousins, Professor Andrew Blamire, Professor Andrew Trevelyan, Dr Fiona LeBeau, Miss Hannah Lumley, Dr Michael Keogh, Professor Richard McQuade, Dr Marc Woodbury-Smith, Professor Christopher Price, Dr Bas Olthof, Dr Meher Lad, Dr Lauren Walker, Prof. Robert Lightowlers, Dr Rhys Thomas, Dr Kyle Thompson, Professor Evelyne Sernagor, Professor David Steel, Dr Christina Elliott
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
- Capacity limit: 85 student places
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
None
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
None
Aims
To provide an advanced level of information on:
The cellular anatomy, biochemistry and function of the human central nervous system
The biological and molecular genetic basis of a range of different disorders of the human nervous system, and their clinical manifestations
Both current and novel approaches used to treat disorders of the nervous system and how these disorders are modelled.
To further develop students skills with respect to:
Critical analysis of scientific literature and current developments in the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders
Interpersonal interaction and team working
Planning and writing of essays
In Summary:
This module is taught by clinicians and basic scientists from various Institutes within the Faculty of Medical Sciences and from colleagues in the National Health Service. The first part of the module provides a brief overview of the cellular anatomy, biochemistry and function of the human central nervous system, along with the use of neuroimaging methods. This first part provides a framework to help understand the second part – preclinical and clinical lectures together with molecular pathology that will highlight some of the various disorders associated with the nervous system.
Outline Of Syllabus
Essential neuroanatomy and neuroimaging techniques (3 lectures)
Clinical aspects and molecular basis of mood disorders, psychosis and neurodevelopmental disorders (10 lectures)
Clinical and molecular aspects of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders (13 lectures, 1 seminar)
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
Mood Disorders, Psychosis and Neurodevelopment
•Describe the symptoms classification and aetiology of mood disorders and schizophrenia.
•Discuss the evidence for, and the limitations of, the monoamine theory of depression and the glutamate/dopamine theories of schizophrenia.
•Describe the treatment approaches to anxiety and how these treatments have developed.
•Describe the mechanisms of action of antidepressant drugs, including possible mechanisms underlying their delayed onset of therapeutic action.
•Describe the mechanism of action of drugs used to treat schizophrenia.
•Describe the clinical and cognitive characteristics of intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and related disorders, and their common neuropsychiatric co-morbidities
•To describe the genetic underpinning of neurodevelopmental disorders and appreciate some of the methodological challenges inherent in this research as well as the evidence for pleiotropy.
•Describe progress in development of animal models of ASD and the validity in relation to ASD identified clinically.
Neurodegeneration
•Describe the symptoms and classification of stroke and dementia and discuss their aetiologies.
•Discuss the available treatment strategies for ischaemic stroke, in terms of primary prevention, acute intervention and secondary prevention.
•Describe the basic clinical features associated with movement disorders and their underlying molecular pathogenesis.
•Describe the common characteristics of trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders and the different ways in which they cause human pathology
•Describe the mechanisms underlying the metabolism of the amyloid precursor protein and the production and aggregation of amyloid beta peptide and the relationship to sporadic and autosomal dominant forms of Alzheimer's disease.
•Describe the different forms and causes of epilepsy with treatments that are available clinically.
•Demonstrate an understanding of prion disorders and that not all pathogens need to carry a nucleic acid component.
•Describe the basic clinical features of a demyelinating disease and the underlying molecular pathogenesis.
•Describe the biophysical nature of changes in GABAergic signaling and the implication for health (developmental) and disease (pain and epilepsy)
•Describe the basic clinical features of retinal disease and therapeutic rationales.
Intended Skill Outcomes
The ability to interpret critically and to synthesise complex information relating to biomedical research in the area of disorders of the human nervous system.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 26 | 1:00 | 26:00 | In person |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Revision seminar x1 - in person |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | In person Introductory lecture and Assessment session |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 4:00 | 4:00 | In person - Seminar. Paper critical appraisal. Individual and group preparation |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 167:00 | 167:00 | Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading |
Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures and lecture materials will provide students with key information.
Seminars will encourage increased understanding of the material through discussion.
Private study will allow students to extend their knowledge through reading of journal articles and other recommended references.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 70 | Invigilated exam 2 out of 4 essays |
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Essay | 1 | M | 30 | Extended Essay - 2000 words |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The open book essay will test students’ knowledge, understanding and written communication skills.
Essay will test ability to review scientific literature.
FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BMS3013's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- BMS3013's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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