Natural Sciences Tripos

Programme Specification: Part IB Neurobiology

This course is taught jointly by the Departments of Experimental Psychology; Pharmacology; Physiology, Development and Neuroscience and Zoology.

Aims

  1. to provide a broad introduction to the nervous system;
  2. to introduce students to the scientific concepts underlying the study of neural phenomena;
  3. to provide an understanding of the principles underlying cellular, molecular, developmental, sensory, motor and cognitive neurobiology;
  4. to prepare students for those Part II courses that contain substantial components of neuroscience.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students should:

  1. have an enhanced knowledge and appreciation of neurobiology, appropriate for a future career in biology or for advanced study at Part II level;
  2. be familiar with a wide range of experimental techniques in neurobiology;
  3. be able to develop cogent and critical arguments based on the course material;
  4. be able to integrate related topics in cellular, molecular, developmental, sensory, motor and cognitive neurobiology.

Teaching and Learning Methods

These include lectures, practical classes and supervisions.

Assessment

Assessment for this course is through:

  • two unseen written examinations, based on the content of the lecture course (for aims 1-4 and learning outcomes 1-4);
  • one practical examination, based on practical work conducted throughout the year (for aims 1-4 and learning outcomes 1-4).

Courses of Preparation

Essential: None.

Recommended: one biological subject from NST Part IA, particularly Physiology of Organisms.

Additional Information

The title of this document is: Natural Sciences Tripos: Part IB Neurobiology
URL: http://www.cam.ac.uk/about/natscitripos/ps/p1b/neurobiol.html