The Nervous System: Understanding the Brain and Behaviour

Overview

Framework:
Access to HE 2024
Level:
Level 3
Unit No:
Not available
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
Not available

Qualification Grading Type

Graded

Aim

The purpose of the unit is to develop students' understanding of the nervous system, the human brain and behaviour.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.

Understand the structure of the cerebral cortex.

Different areas of the cortex and their functions explored e.g:

  • Motor cortex
  • Visual cortex
  • Visual cortex
  • Auditory cortex

When describing the cortex, students could also discuss the folds e.g. Gyri and Sulci and why they have evolved.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Describe the structure and key functions of the cerebral cortex.

2.

Understand the structure of the brain and localisation of function.

Four different parts of the brain should be described in terms of the structure (e.g.

shape, size and where they located). The function of these parts should also be explained. E.g. hippocampus, hypothalamus, Amygdala, thalamus, cerebellum.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Describe four different parts of the brain.

  • 2.2

    Explain the behaviours controlled by the parts of the brain chosen for 2.1.

3.

Be able to evaluate research into hemispheric lateralisation of function.

Explain how Sperry’s research into split brain patients have helped researchers to understand communication between the right and left hemisphere. When evaluating Sperry’s research, students could also discuss the extent to which their research is supported by more recent research into split brain patients e.g. Turk et al. (2002).

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Explain Sperry’s split brain research.

  • 3.2

    Evaluate Sperry’s split brain research.