1. Justify the use of experiential procedures, through the analysis, discussion and evaluation of research literature in order to understand defined brain function.
Enquiry

2. Critically evaluate professional learning ability through the development of ideas and concepts with the formulation of viewpoints relating to the defined brain function.
Reflection

3. Explain formulated viewpoints to both specialist and non-specialist audiences encapsulating challenges and enablers to public understanding of the defined brain functions.
Communication

1. Viva 100% 20 minutes

Full details of the assessment viva and preparation for this is available to students at the start of the module, in the module handbook.

There are four key themes encompassed within this module. (1) The protection of the brain microenvironment by the Blood Brain Barrier understood in terms of selective transporters and the tight junctions. (2) Non-neuronal glial cells, such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia and epidermal cells. (3) Sensing and moving, considering electrical transmission to and from the brain via nerve tracts. (4) Who am I. Here memory, in terms of long-term potentiation, is considered. Learning considering synaptic plasticity is explored and an examination of decision making.

There are five lectures. An introductory lecture to the module with an emphasis on the role of lectures and student/tutor led workshop. There will then be four overview lectures addressing the four key themes outlined above. Five tutor/student lead workshops. Students identify a theme of study, broadly derived from one of the key themes of the module. Student peers and tutor work in a series of 30-minute tutorials. There is then: one review tutorial, one assessment preparation tutorial, one 1:1 tutorial.

Research papers, scientific review literature, YouTube videos and peer and tutor discussions.

There are four key themes encompassed within this module:
1. The protection of the brain microenvironment by the Blood Brain Barrier understood in terms of selective transporters and the tight junctions.
2. Non-neuronal glial cells, such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia and epidermal cells.
3. Sensing and moving, considering electrical transmission to and from the brain via nerve tracts.
4. Who am I. Here memory, in terms of long-term potentiation, is considered. Learning considering synaptic plasticity is explored and an examination of decision making.