Key facts

Course details for 2006 cohort
Level 1  -  12 credits  -  spring term

E-learning links

Study Direct: C1087 (09/10)

Resources

Timetable Link

Course description

Course outline

The course deals with nervous and hormonal bases for sensory perception and behavioural action by humans and other animals. We introduce the basic components of the nervous systems: neurons, synapses and neurotransmitters, and outline how the neurons transmit signals and processes information. Specialisation of the cerebral cortex is introduced, looking at lateralisation and language. Sensory processing and perception are exemplified by visual pathway, from the eye to specialised feature detectors in the cortex. Finally, lectures on feeding deal with neural and hormonal controls in behaviour.

Learning outcomes

Students who have successfully completed the course will:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the nervous system: the action potential, synapses, and neurotransmitters.2. Be able to explain how neural and hormonal mechanisms underlie sensory perception and control behaviour.3. Have practised essay writing skills, which requires the ability to assimilate knowledge from diverse sources into a coherent story.
4. Have practised skills in critical reading of scientific literature, including primary research papers.
5. Have experience in collecting, graphically presenting and analysing quantitative experimental biological data in neuroscience and perceptual psychology.

Assessments

Resit mode of assessment

Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

Teaching methods

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Contact details

Dr Camilla Tornoe

Assess convenor, Convenor
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/iss/profile34846.html