| CODE | PHB5500 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Basic Neurophysiology | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 10 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Physiology and Biochemistry | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit provides a comprehensive foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system, linking fundamental neuroscience concepts to their practical, clinical applications. Students will gain a solid grasp of the structural organisation of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including cranial nerves, peripheral nerve plexuses, and muscle physiology. Through an exploration of nerve conduction principles, synaptic transmission, and neuromuscular junction function, students will understand how normal and abnormal processes manifest in clinical practice. In addition, the study-unit addresses key areas of neuropathology, highlighting how various disease mechanisms鈥攕uch as demyelination, tumors, infections, and immune-mediated conditions鈥攊mpact neural function. Emphasis is placed on integrating theoretical knowledge with clinical diagnostics, including the interpretation of nerve conduction studies and evoked potentials. Study-Unit Aims: - Build a solid theoretical foundation in basic neuroscience, including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and muscle physiology, establishing a comprehensive understanding of normal nervous system function; - Promote clinical application of neurophysiological principles by introducing diagnostic procedures such as nerve conduction studies, electromyography, and evoked potentials, preparing students for practical, patient-centered care; - Foster critical awareness of neuropathological processes such as demyelination, infection, inflammation, and degenerative changes, and their clinical implications, enabling students to connect theory and practice in patient diagnosis and management; - Prepare students for ongoing professional development by instilling an appreciation for evidence-based practice, emerging technologies, and current research trends in clinical neurophysiology. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Identify the major anatomical structures of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, spinal cord, cranial nerves, and peripheral nerve plexuses; - Explain the basic physiological principles governing nerve conduction, synaptic transmission, neuromuscular junction function, and the different types of motor units; - Describe key aspects of muscle physiology, including histological and molecular structures, fiber types, and excitation-contraction mechanisms; - Outline the pathological processes involved in neurological disorders, including demyelination, neuropathies, and neurodegenerative changes, and relate these processes to clinical presentations; - Demonstrate an understanding of the maturation of the nervous system and the vascular supply to the brain and spine, recognising their relevance to neurological function and clinical practice. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Identify and describe Core Neuroanatomical Structures: students will be able to pinpoint and explain the major components of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the cerebrum, spinal cord, cranial nerves, and peripheral nerve plexuses; - Explain Fundamental Neurophysiological Principles: Students will gain the ability to articulate how nerve conduction, synaptic transmission, and neuromuscular junctions function in both healthy and pathological states; - Relate Neuropathological Changes to Clinical Presentations: Students will be able to connect processes such as demyelination, inflammation, and degenerative changes to their clinical manifestations. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Neuroanatomy: Illustrated Colour Text, 7th Edition - ISBN 9780443113666. - Neuroanatomy and Neuroscience at a Glance, 5th Edition - ISBN: 978-1-119-16842-3. Supplementary Readings: - Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain, Enhanced Edition: Exploring the Brain, Enhanced Edition 4th Edition - ISBN: 978-1284211283. - Clinical Neurology and Neuroanatomy: A Localization-Based Approach, Second Edition 2nd Edition - ISBN 978-1260453362. - Clinical Neurophysiology 3rd Ed. - J. Daube, D. Rubin (Oxford, 2009) BBS - ASIN: 鈥� B00866I8LI* *reference textbook |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Project | |||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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