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Module information

Systems neuroscience is a subdiscipline of neuroscience and systems biology that studies the function of neural circuits and systems. It is an umbrella term, encompassing a number of areas of study concerned with how nerve cells behave when connected together to form neural networks. At this level of analysis, neuroscientists study how different neural circuits analyze sensory information, form perceptions of the external world, make decisions, and execute movements. Researchers in systems neuroscience are concerned with the relation between molecular and cellular approaches to understanding brain structure and function, as well as with the study of high-level mental functions such as language, memory, and self-awareness.

This module aims to advance and consolidate neurophysiology knowledge gained during the first year course PHOL0001. It will allow students to develop specialist interests in motor and sensory physiology. In addition to lectures there will be three compulsory workshops. The first one will be an interactive virtual research study, the second will be an interactive discussion; the third one will be led by yourselves and facilitated by a member(s) of the academic staff.

After taking this module you will:

1 Increase your knowledge of skeletal muscle, including the cortical control of movement, feedback from muscle spindles, local regulation of contractility and provision of power for contraction

2. Increase your knowledge of special senses - including vision, hearing, smell and touch

3. Become competent in using the facilities in the library, to access modern journals of neuroscience and neurophysiology

4. Have been introduced to experimental design and research in physiology

Indicative lecture lists (based on 2023/24 syllabus)

• Introduction to motor control (4 lectures + 1 Workshop)
• Locomotion: systems control (1 lecture)
• Muscle function (1 Workshop)
• Human Volition (1 lecture/discussion)
• Cortical Plasticity (2 lectures)
• Pain (1 lecture)
• Headache (1 lecture
• Vision (2 lectures)
• Hearing (2 lectures)
• Vestibular Physiology
• Olfaction (2 lectures)
• Introduction to Computational Neuroscience (1 lecture)
• Lab visit in groups of 4 (Reading week) with associated group work
• Presentation workshop (group work)
• Optional lab class: reflexes and reactions.