NEUR40130 Higher Cortical Function

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module runs alongside the B.Sc. Neuroscience degree programme. It is designed to give an in-depth knowledge to students on brain control of movement and higher cortical function and how this information is integrated in the central nervous system. Major topics covered include: motor cortex, lateral and medial motor pathways, posture, brainstem and spinal reflexes, basal ganglia, cerebellum, reticular activating system, thalamus, language and sleep. This module has a particular focus on synaptic plasticity, learning and behaviour.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. have an understanding of integrated nervous control of movement and higher cortical functions such as memory, emotion, behaviour and sleep.
2. have an understanding of motor reflexes and posture as well as how dysfunction of the motor system affects these
parameters.
3. Provide experience of computer aided learning.
4. Learn skills in communicating neuroscience concepts in a clear and scientific manner.

Indicative Module Content:

Major topics covered include: functional organisation of the brain and neocortex, the motor cortex, lateral and medial motor pathways, posture, brainstem and spinal reflexes, basal ganglia, cerebellum, reticular activating system, thalamus, language, sleep, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, the hippocampus, the amygdala, the endocannabinoid system, consciousness and behaviour.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

21

Autonomous Student Learning

180

Total

201

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
lectures; group work; writing; active/task-based learning; 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

A basic foundation in neuroscience


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
NEUR30070 - Higher Cortical Function


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Class Test: MCQ Unspecified n/a Graded No

10

Essay: Essay assignment Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

30

Examination: Exit exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

60


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided on the essay assignments

Name Role
Assoc Professor Nuala Brady Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Gary Brennan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Caroline Herron Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Sean Quinlan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Alan Hoban Tutor