Neurobiology and Mental Health

Year 0, Semesters 1 and 2 Core Medical Science

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Code CLS5012-B
Graduate Attributes
Syllabus Neurotransmission pathways of the nervous system (somatic and autonomic), and associated pathophysiology (neurological and psychiatric). Pharmacological developments and treatments, and current research directions. The concept of neurodiversity and mental illness, including the theory and comparative models of the nature, prevalence and impact of these issues, and the importance of well-being. Mental health management, including social context and inequalities, the impact of migration and asylum, cultural differences and historical changes.
Lecture 15 
Workshop 29 
Private Study 156 

Unit Learning Outcomes

  • 1 Explain how disruptions of the central nervous system can lead to pathology and symptoms of disease.
  • 2 Discuss the mechanism of action of the major pharmacological treatments for neurobiological disorders, and the benefits and risks associated with them.
  • 3 Demonstrate an appreciation of the scope and impact of neurobiological disease at an individual, societal and global level, and discuss changing concepts of mental health and mental illness including historical and cultural differences.
  • 4 Demonstrate an understanding of current UK mental health policy and practice (and its impact), and critically evaluate developments in the management of mental illness (including the role of mental health services, professionals and service user groups)
  • 5 Examine the nature, prevalence and impact of neurobiological disease and mental illness, and the impact that inequalities in healthcare have on the prevalence, incidence and experience of mental illness
  • 6 Collect, evaluate and draw conclusions from clinical data using sources of information available within the discipline.

Course Learning Outcomes

  • 16 Develop and evaluate personal and professional skills including effective oral and written presentation, problem-solving, decision making and team-working skills.
  • 17 Research, review and critically analyse science and health-related literature and experimental data using independent learning skills.
  • 18 Demonstrate a critical understanding and application of the underlying principles relating to the pathology and treatment of common diseases and disorders.

Assessment Breakdown

Neurobiology and Mental Health aims:  To develop a good working knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system and how it can be disrupted in pathophysiological conditions. To illustrate how disruptions of the nervous system can lead to disease symptoms and to familiarise the students with the main drug classes to treat these conditions, providing a link between the biological sciences and therapeutics. To develop an understanding of the individual, societal and global impact of mental health issues and illness, and the changing nature of the management of mental health care. To develop an understanding of neurodiversity and the challenges neurodiverse individuals may face. To utilise a range of critical and analytical methods and perspectives when considering neuroscience and mental health, and the current directions and focus of neuroscientific, clinical and mental health research.