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School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

Principles of Neuronal Function (C1016)

Principles of Neuronal Function

Module C1016

Module details for 2025/26.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 5

Module Outline

This module provides a detailed insight into the fundamental workings of the nervous system. It focuses on the relationship between the structure and function of the cellular and sub-cellular components of neurons, and on mechanisms that underlie information signalling. Examples of nervous system disorders illustrate the sensitivity of neurons and circuits and the often-catastrophic consequences on brain function. Students will learn to identify and communicate key principles essential to an understanding of neuroscience.

Topics include:
• Signalling by neurons and synapses
• Neurotransmission and information coding
• Nervous system plasticity
• Cellular and molecular basis of learning and memory
• Fundamental disease mechanisms
• Methodological approaches

Module learning outcomes

Systematically identify key principles of brain function such as: cellular, molecular, and biophysical processes of signalling within and between neurons, fundamental principles of nervous system plasticity, key mechanisms of disease-related neuronal dysfunction and methodological approaches used to study these topics.

Implement problem solving, quantification, and interpretation of experimental evidence in classical and contemporary neuroscience.

Critically assess and integrate ideas from primary literature and develop skills to present a convincing and original argument in written form.

Create a well-structured and concise communication of a contemporary neuroscience topic, using presentation software or other relevant programs to create figures.

TypeTimingWeighting
Multiple Choice questionsSemester 1 Assessment70.00%
Coursework30.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
MediaT1 Week 11 100.00%
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.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Autumn SemesterWorkshop1 hour00011100000
Autumn SemesterLecture1 hour22222222210

How to read the week pattern

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

Prof Kevin Staras

Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/16600

Dr Alexander Stuart

Assess convenor
/profiles/414895

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The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.

School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

School Office:
School of Engineering and Informatics, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½Ó°ÊÓ, Chichester 1 Room 002, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QJ
ei@sussex.ac.uk
T 01273 (67) 8195

School Office opening hours: School Office open Monday – Friday 09:00-15:00, phone lines open Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00
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