Convenors

Dr T Matheson (Biology)
Room 307 Adrian, Ext. 1263
E-mail: tm75@le.ac.uk

Dr JJA Scott (Cell Physiology & Pharmacology)
Room 355 MSB, Ext. 3083
E-Mail: js50@le.ac.uk

Other contributer

Dr E Gaten (Biology)
E-Mail: gat@le.ac.uk

Aims 

Students taking this module should:

• Develop a broad understanding of the neurophysiological functioning of animals through a comparative study of vertebrate and invertebrate sensory-motor physiology, building on 2nd Year modules, including BS-2014 (Physiology and Pharmacology II) and BS-2066 (Behavioural Neurobiology).
• Appreciate how structure and function have influenced the ways in which different animals have solved basic fundamental problems in sensory and motor neurophysiology.
• Gain insights into the way in which experimental studies with non-mammalian animals and their tissues have increased our knowledge of fundamental neurophysiological processes.
• Develop a knowledge of experimental techniques used in modern neurobiology research.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:

• Relate eye design to differences in photic environment, particularly the role of light and dark adaptation.
• Differentiate the types of imaging optics found in invertebrate and vertebrate eyes.
• Compare the structures of specific vertebrate and invertebrate proprioceptors and correlate structure with function.
• Discuss the senses of hearing and olfaction in both vertebrates and arthropods.
• Describe the problems faced by animals in making aimed limb movements, and the neuronal mechanisms used to overcome them.
• Compare neuronal population coding in both invertebrate and vertebrate sensory-motor systems.
• Carry out experiments to investigate aspects of arthropod motor behaviour.
• Analyse, and present a report on, experimental results interpreted within the context of the research literature.
• Be able to relate the knowledge and understanding gained from this module to other modules.

Module description

Understanding how nervous systems function is one of the great challenges of modern biology. Those of different animals, including humans, differ widely, but all solve similar fundamental problems that must be overcome if  the animal is to survive. How do different nervous systems detect, process, and act on signals from the environment? What principles of neuronal organisation and function underpin this signal processing and the behaviours that result?

You will learn about a range of sensory systems, including vision, touch, hearing and olfaction, and see how neurobiologists analyse their underlying mechanisms. You will go on to examine how these different modalities of sensory information are processed and used by animals to elicit and control a wide range of behaviours including locomotion and aimed reaching movements.

Lectures

The lectures are grouped into three themes:

• The comparative neurophysiology of visual systems, including the design of vertebrate and invertebrate eyes functioning in different photic environments.
• The comparative structure and function of auditory systems in mammals and arthropods.
• The organisation and control of aimed limb movements.

Practical classes

In the practical classes, you will measure and analyse physiological and biomechanical processes that permit a locust to generate a powerful and rapid jump.

Tutorials

The tutorials will give you an opportunity to research a particular topic in depth and gain experience in essay writing.

Assessment

• Examination - 70%
  One three-hour examination; three questions from a choice of nine with an either/or restriction on some questions.
• Course Work - 30%
  One practical report (20%) and one tutorial essay (10%).

Related modules

Prerequisites

• BS-2014: Physiology & Pharmacology II

Or

• BS-2066: Behavioural Neurobiology

module handbook