Overview

You will be introduced to the biological components of the human brain starting at the surface of the skull and moving inward and down to the microscopic level of the individual cells of the brain. You will learn the names of many structures and areas of the brain, such as the Limbic System and Basal Ganglia, and learn how the body creates electrical currents to send messages between cells to generate our behaviour.

The module will also explore several key aspects of Cognition. Descriptions of the processes, such as Perception, will be followed with biological explanations alongside viewing several disorders that may arise due to brain damage such as Wernicke's Aphasia.

This module will cover the following topics:

• The meninges
• The four major lobes
• Brainstem and Cerebellum
• The Limbic system
• The Basal Ganglia
• Networks controlling attention and thought
• Neurons, Neurochemistry, and Hormones
• Biology of Executive Functions; Working Memory, Inhibition, Cognitive Flexibility
• Biology of Perception; Sight, Sound, Touch, Taste, Smell
• Biology of Language; comprehension and production
• Biology of Memory; implicit vs declarative
• Disorders of the brain; aphasia, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease, Korsakoff's syndrome

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (40%-49% / D- to D+) Has shown knowledge of key areas and principles but there is a weakness in understanding the subject area. Work shows limited evidence of background study and research. Answer is only poorly focussed on question and with some irrelevant material and poor structure. Some arguments are presented but lack coherence. Oral presentation can be somewhat hard to follow and there is no attempt to engage the audience. 

Satisfactory (50%–59% / C- to C+) Has shown knowledge of the key areas and principles and the main elements of the subject area are understood. Work shows limited evidence of background study and research. Answer is focussed on question but also with some irrelevant material and weakness in structure. Arguments are presented but lack coherence. Oral presentation is mostly understandable but there can be strain for the listener at times. Speaker attempts to engage the audience.

Good (60%-69% / B- to B+) Has shown a strong knowledge and understands most of the subject area. Work shows evidence of background study and research. Answer is focussed, has a good structure, and contains coherent arguments. Oral presentation is generally clear throughout and engages the audience in parts.

Excellent (70%-100%/ A- to A*) Has shown a comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding of the subject area. Work shows extensive background study and research. Answer is highly focussed, well-structured and contains logically presented and defended arguments. Oral presentation is highly engaging and clear throughout.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the different parts of the brain's anatomy and how they work together

• Understand how the brain interfaces with the mind and influences behaviour