Module PPP-3003:
Brain Development and Degeneration
Brain Development and Degeneration 2023-24
PPP-3003
2023-24
School Of Human And Behavioural Sciences
Module - Semester 2
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Kami Koldewyn
Overview
- Brief review of basic neuroanatomy and neurobiology (in-depth aspects of both will be covered as they become relevant to specific disorders)
- Neurodevelopmental disorders discussed will include (but not be limited to) Williams Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Down Syndrome and Rett Syndrome.
- Neurodegenerative disorders discussed will include (but not be limited to) Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Fragile X Tremor and Ataxia Syndrome, (FXTAS) and Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Genetic and/or molecular mechanisms commonly involved in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders
- Clinical, cognitive and neural phenotypes of these disorders
- Overview of techniques used in assessing and describing these disorders (e.g., neuropsychological testing, genetic techniques, neuroimaging).
- Ethical implications of genetic and neural studies of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders
Learning Outcomes
- Compare and contrast disorders and show the ability to describe these similarities and differences at a behavioural, cognitive and biological level.
- Critically evaluate current theories in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration through in-depth analysis of contemporary research papers.
- Demonstrate engagement with materials in weekly seminars.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the genetic changes that can have neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative consequences (e.g., chromosomal abnormalities, mutations (or various types), deletion, duplication, SNPs).
- Demonstrate knowledge of various brain systems and structures that are impacted in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders at both a whole-brain and a cellular (e.g. dendrites, synapses, neurotransmission) level.
- Describe the clinical, cognitive and neural phenotype of each disorder presented during the course.
- Differentiate between, reflect on, and appreciate the value of (and difference between) clinical and statistical significance
- Engage in both in-class and on-line discussions of topics and material relevant to the module.
- Engage in critically thinking about and discussion of the ethical challenges involved in researching these disorders, as well as the ethical implications of applying the findings from such research.
- Propose interesting and relevant research questions, including critical assessment of potential approaches to answering such questions
Assessment type
Summative
Weighting
15%
Assessment type
Summative
Weighting
25%
Assessment type
Summative
Weighting
30%
Assessment type
Summative
Weighting
15%
Assessment type
Summative
Weighting
15%