Neuroscience of Brain Health and Disease module (BM41004)
Explore the neuroscience of brain health and disease. You will cover topics including synaptic plasticity, memory, dementia, psychiatric disorders, and neurological treatments
In this module you will gain a thorough grounding in the neuroscience of brain health and disease.
You will study how neurons communicate and adapt. You will also study how these processes are disrupted in conditions such as:
- Alzheimer's disease
- depression
- brain cancer
You will examine synaptic plasticity in detail. This involves looking at the role of neurotransmitters, receptors, and neuromodulators.
You will explore the pathological processes that drive neurodegeneration. These include excitotoxicity and shared mechanisms across brain diseases.
The module also covers neurological conditions. These include addiction, schizophrenia, and depression, as well as movement disorders and pain.
You will develop your ability to read and interpret scientific literature. You will also develop your ability to present and communicate findings in this field.
What you will learn
In this module, you will:
- gain an advanced understanding of synaptic plasticity. You will learn about its role in memory and disease
- study the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, including protein aggregation and synaptic dysfunction
- explore psychiatric conditions such as addiction, schizophrenia, and depression
- examine neuropharmacological treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders
- access and interpret scientific literature relevant to learning, memory, and brain disease
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- synthesise and evaluate key concepts in learning, memory, and neurodegenerative disease
- explain the mechanisms and properties of synaptic plasticity. This will include the role of neurotransmitters, receptors, and neuromodulators
- critically evaluate pathological processes contributing to neurodegeneration. These include shared mechanisms across conditions
- understand the pharmacological basis of treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders
- access, interpret, and communicate scientific research in this field
Assignments / assessments
- Coursework (25%)
- This will consist of an abstract writing exercise. This will be completed under supervised conditions
- Written exam (75%)
- This will be carried out online over two hours. The exam will consist of essay style questions
Teaching methods / timetable
- Interactive lectures
- Online materials via My Dundee
Your teaching will mostly take place in the University’s Dalhousie Building, with additional online support through My Dundee.