Overview

The module will provide insights into aspects of clinical and basic neuroscience that are critical for understanding the neurobiological basis of mental illness. Topics will include: The functional organization of the human brain; The structure and function of neurons, neural transmission and basic neuropharmacology; Principles of neuropsychological assessment; Principles of neurdodevelopment; Genetics (as relevant for Neurodevelopmental Disorders); Systems neuroscience, as revealed by neurophysiology and neuropsychology, relevant to understanding of major neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism, Williams Syndrome, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Schizophrenia.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold - (C) •Knowledge of key areas/principles •Understands the main elements of the subject area •Limited evidence of background study •Answer focussed on question but also with some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure •Arguments presented but lack coherence •Has several factual/computational errors •No original interpretation •Only major links between topics are described •Limited problem solving •Some weaknesses in presentation and accuracy

-good - (B) •Strong knowledge •Understands most but not all of the subject area •Evidence of background study •Focussed answer with good structure •Arguments presented coherently •Mostly free of factual/computational errors •Some limited original interpretation •Well known links between topics described •Problems addressed by existing methods/approaches •Good presentation with accurate communication

-excellent -(A) •Comprehensive knowledge •Detailed understanding of subject area •Extensive background study •Highly focussed answer and well structured •Logically presented and defended arguments •No factual/computational errors •Original interpretation •New links between topics are developed •New approach to a problem •Excellent presentation with very accurate communication

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a familiarity with the anatomical and functional organisation of the human brain, including the principles of synaptic transmission, and particularly of those neural and major neurotransmitter systems that play a major role in the development of psychological disorders.

• Discuss the neural systems that regulate learning, motivation, emotion and executive control in the service of goal-directed behaviour.

• Evaluate how basic neuroscience research throws light onto a variety of human mental disorders, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, schizophrenia etc.

• Understand how genetic research can help elucidating the (complex) aetiologies of neurodevelopmental disorders.

• Understand neurodevelopmental disorders as bio-psycho-social entities.