Module - LIFE2070 - Neurons and Glia

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Year 2026/27

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Module - LIFE2070 - Neurons and Glia

Programme	SoLS - Life Sciences Modules Database (Level 2) C741 - B.Sc. Hons. Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (Part 1 - Restricted Group 1) C742 - M.Sci. Hons. Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (Part 1 - Restricted Group 1)
Year	Select a new weight: https://curriculum.nottingham.ac.uk/2026/view/tree/91951/year_lookup/XXIDXX Year 2026/2027
Accrediting Bodies	https://curriculum.nottingham.ac.uk/2026/view/tree/91951/year_lookup/XXIDXX HEFCE Biochemistry benchmarks Royal Society of Biology RSB Biochemistry subject specific outcomes
Module Code	LIFE2070
Credits	20

Total Credits:

20.00

Level:

Target Students:

Compulsory for students taking degrees in Neuroscience. Optional for students taking other degrees in Life Sciences

Summary Of Content:

There is a limited number of places on this module. Students are reminded that enrolments which are not agreed by the Offering School in advance may be cancelled without notice. To provide students with an understanding of the mechanisms behind electrical conduction in neurones. The role of the membrane potential in establishing a voltage gradient against which action/synaptic potentials provide the primary means of signaling within the nervous system will be described in detail. The role of ion channels in providing the means by which trans-membrane currents can be generated and the role of myelin in accelerating conduction will be described. The role of astrocytes in maintain the appropriate environment for optimal neuronal function will be described, as well as the role of glial cells in metabolism, higher cognitive functions, and the disruption of ion homeostasis that characterize brain tumours and epilepsy.

Course Web Links:

N/A

To provide students with an understanding of the mechanisms behind electrical conduction in neurones. The role of the membrane potential in establishing a voltage gradient against which action/synaptic potentials provide the primary means of signaling within the nervous system will be described in detail. The role of ion channels in providing the means by which trans-membrane currents can be generated and the role of myelin in accelerating conduction will be described. The role of astrocytes in maintaining the appropriate environment for optimal neuronal function will be described, as well as the role of glial cells in metabolism and the disruption of ion homeostasis that characterize brain tumours and epilepsy.

Education Aims:

Offering School:

Life Sciences

Convenor:

Name
Dr Angus Brown

Semester
Autumn UK

Taught Semesters:

Requisites:

N/A

Additional Requirements:

N/A

Method and Frequency of Class:

Activity	Number of Weeks	Number of sessions	Duration of a session
Lecture	11 weeks	1 week	2 hours
Workshop	3 weeks	1 week	2 hours

Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester

Method of Assessment:

Assessment Type	Weight	Requirements
Viva voce	70.00	1x15 minute viva per student in January exam period.
Exam 1	30.00	2 hour Rogo exam

Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester

Assessment Period:

Assessed by end of Autumn Semester


	Learning Outcome:
		To appreciate and understand the basics of electrical communication in the nervous system from the single protein to the network level.

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