Learning outcomes

The teaching intends to provide basic and integrated knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

• account for the structure and function of neurons.

•describe the structure and function of the central nervous system (CNS), the autonomous nervous system and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), including the sensory organs.

•explain how the interplay between the parts of the nervous system and the most important neurotransmitters influences the functions of the body.

•describe some of the higher functions of the brain, such as biological rhythms, emotions, memory and cognition.

•describe how the interplay between genes and environment influences personality and health.

SKILLS AND ABILITY

•describe and carry out basic methods within neurobiology.

•describe and carry out simple brain staining and microscopy.

•explain the theory behind completed practicals and be able to compile and interpret experimental results in both written and oral form.

•compile and present a literature study, as well as critically analyse texts in the mass media and scientific press.

EVALUATION ABILITY AND ATTITUDES

•search, compile, present and critically evaluate information about the nervous system and its functions.

Content

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Instruction

The teaching is organised according to the guidelines for the students'working conditions at Uppsala University (Dnr UFV 2009/902) and is conducetd in the form of lectures, demonstrations, seminars, case-based learning and laboratory sessions. SEMINARS are teacher-supervised group discussions based on prepared presentations of the students about subjects or specific issues. Laboratory sessions, together with the connected theory, constitute an important element of the course. The laboratory sessions are presented orally, which provides in training in scientific communication Presentation techniques are an integral part of course elements involving written or oral presentation. The student's attendance is compulsory at: seminars, case-based learning, all elements of laboratory sessions and at other occasions determined by the course coordinator.

Assessment

A pass for all compulsory elements of the course and a passed written examination are required for a pass for the course as a whole.

A chance to gain a pass for a missed or failed laboratory session can be given only at the next course occasion and only in case of a vacancy.

Students who fail to pass the examination have the right to retake the examination on 4 additional occasions (= a total of 5 examination attempts). If special circumstances apply, the programme committee can admit additional examination attempts. Each occasion the student participates in an examination is counted as one examination attempt. Submission of a so called blank exam is counted as one examination attempt.