BMS1052

Human neurobiology

6 points · 2 lectures and one 2-hour workshop or 3-hour field trip per week · Second semester · Clayton

Objectives This subject consists of an introduction to the human nervous system which ranges in scope from the operations of individual nerve cells at the molecular level to the generation of complex cognitive behaviours. The subject will provide students with an essential overview of the human nervous system and it will also serve as a foundation for more specialised studies in neurobiology or cognitive science. On successful completion of the subject, students will understand the fundamental concepts of nervous system organisation and communication. They will have some insight into how the brain enables us to sense our environment and to move, feel, think and communicate with others. Students will also have an understanding of how the human brain and behaviour evolved, and how behaviour can be influenced by genetic make-up and environmental and social factors. In addition, students will have acquired some basic skills in obtaining, interpreting and presenting scientific data.

Synopsis Introduction to neurobiology and the brain and its functions. Components of the nervous system. Organisation of the brain. Brain development and evolution. Neural communication and integration. Methods of studying brain function in man. Principles of sensory perception: an introduction to sensory receptors, neural coding and cognitive processes. Fundamentals of vision, hearing, touch and pain. Introduction to movement: organisation of the motor systems and regulation of muscles. Basic concepts of how voluntary movements are planned, executed and controlled. The brain and behaviour: the systems controlling consciousness, attention, sleep, mood, emotion and language. Learning and memory. Determinants of behaviour: influences of genes, hormones, society and disease. Common drugs and their effects on behaviour. Origins of human behaviour, including observations of primate behaviour. The material will be covered in a series of lectures and in interactive workshops which will enable students to develop data acquisition skills, present their own material and participate in discussions. Students will be expected to obtain information on the topics for these workshops from the library and WWW and from regular observations on themselves which will be recorded in a diary. They will also participate in demonstrations and experiments using computer assisted teaching packages to measure aspects of brain function.

Assessment Examination: 70% · Practical work and diary summaries: 30%

Prescribed texts

Bear M F, Connors B W and Paradiso M A Neuroscience: Exploring the brain Williams and Wilkins, 1996

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