Module Overview
This is the first module of the MSc Clinical Neuropsychiatry course and is designed to give students an overview of brain function and brain behaviour relationships.
The module will involve sessions on basic neuroscience (anatomy, physiology and pharmacology), diagnostic tools (radiology, neurophysiology) as well as sessions on observation and documentation of abnormal mental states. Philosophical approaches to mental disorder (especially mind brain dualism) will also be observed. Students should come to the end of the module with knowledge of how the brain works and how to detect and quantify abnormal behaviour caused by changes in cerebral function.
- The general anatomy and development of the brain and its functions.
- Anatomy of the basal ganglia, temporal lobes, and major white matter pathways
- Basic concepts in the physiology of neurons, synapses and receptors
- Basic pharmacology of neurotransmitters, and excitatory amino acids and how they relate to relevant neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Localization of cerebral functions, including the effects of injury and disease
- Conceptual, philosophical and legal issues in neuropsychiatry
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module you should have:
- Basic understanding of neuroanatomy
- Understanding of neurophysiology
- Understanding of brain chemistry
- Understanding of mind/brain dualism
- Understanding of philosophy of mind
- Understanding of psychopathology and its relationship to brain function
- Understanding of localisation of brain function
- Understanding of medical law and introduction to mental health law.
Credits
20 credits
Module Attendance Required
12 sessions of 3 hours, mostly on Friday afternoons
Module Dates
October - December
Assessment
Short written answer exam
Module Lead
Dr Bruno Silva - b.a.silva@bham.ac.uk
Stand Alone Course
This module can also be taken as a stand-alone course if required. If taken as an individual module you will receive a certificate of attendance for CPD purposes.
Fee if taken as a stand alone course
For information on fees please contact the Programme Administrator. Please note - no masters level credits are available for this module unless taken as part of the MSc, PGDip or PGCert in Clinical Neuropsychiatry programme.
Entry requirements if taken as a stand alone course
For information on requirements please contact the Programme Administrator. You are encouraged to get in contact no later than 6 weeks before the start date of the module to ensure we can consider your application.
More information
Please contact the Postgraduate Administrator, +44 (0)121 415 8118, clinicalneuro@contacts.bham.ac.uk