The Environment and the Brain
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE2115 | Life Sciences | 2 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- LIFE2115
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
In this module students will explore the influence and effects on animal neurophysiology of physical, chemical, and biological factors in the external environment. This will include the effects of pharmaceuticals, parasitic infestation, gut microbiome nutrition (diet and exercise), natural plant and animal toxins, heavy metals, organic pollutants and petroleum products such as pesticides, herbicides, volatiles, CO and microplastics. It will cover both immediate, direct, neuronal effects as well as the long term cumulative and neurodevelopmental action of these factors.
Target Students
BSc and MSci Neuroscience Students.Available to exchange students undertaking the 2nd Year Neuroscience course.
Classes
This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc
Assessment
- 100% Exam 1 (2-hour): 2 hour online exam.
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
To be aware of the impact that the external environment has on animal neurophysiology and neuropathology.To be knowledgeable of the diversity of the types of acute or chronic environmental challenges that the nervous system may encounter during its lifespan and their deleterious effects.To understand the molecular mechanism of such changes, their mitigation and treatment.To evaluate the hazard and risk factors;To be aware of epidemiology (gender, age, socio economic) and global health impact.Learning Outcomes
To be able to explain at level 2 the following about a recognised deleterious environmental challenge to the nervous system:
- Hazard and risk
- Natural vs manmade disaster/stealth vs occupational hazard
- Underlying physiology/pathology aetiology
- Epidemiology (gender, age, socio economic)
- Human impact.
To demonstrate an awareness of the effects that external physical, chemical and biological factors have on animal neurophysiology, neurodevelopment, and neuropathology.
To demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the molecular mechanism by which external physical, chemical and biological factors can affect animal neurophysiology, neurodevelopment, and neuropathology.
To demonstrate the ability to discriminate between hazard and risk.
To demonstrate awareness of epidemiology and global health impacts of environmental factors on animal neurophysiology
Conveners
- Dr Paul Smith