PN4108 Animal Models in Neuroscience and Psychology

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Available only to students in the second year of the Honours programme and MSc students.

Planned timetable

Monday 2-4pm, Weeks 1-10, Practical, Week 11, 2-6pm

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr I Allodi

Dr I Allodi
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Ilary Allodi, Dr David Tait, Dr Manon Schweinfurth and Dr David Shuker

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

Have you ever wondered why animals are used in psychology and neuroscience research? The module focuses on how to design behavioural experiments in neuroscience and psychology using animal models. In this module, you will learn about animals used in research (e.g., rats, mice, insects, and bats) and the systems neuroscience techniques applied to investigate the neural correlates of behaviour (e.g., optogenetics and Ca2+ imaging). We will discuss key physiological and behavioural characteristics and explain how these models can be used to study neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and motor disorders. Considerations of ecological settings, genetically modified organisms, and behavioural testing will be discussed in depth. Machine learning-based analysis of behaviour will be introduced as a novel strategy to automise quantification and reduce experimenter bias. During hands-on sessions, students will also become familiar with the DeepLabCut software.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

IF UG, STUDENT MUST HAVE PASSED PN2022 OR PN3313.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 lectures (x10 weeks), 1 seminar (x10 weeks), 1 practical (x1 week)

Scheduled learning hours

24

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

121

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand the importance of animals in psychology and neuroscience research.
  • Communicate a sensitive subject to a lay audience.
  • Define appropriate experimental setups for behavioural analysis of animal models in Neuroscience and Psychology and identify and utilise protocols relevant to study specific animal models.
  • Critically evaluate and present research articles.
  • Work to tight deadlines while producing a variety of assessments.
  • Describe the limitations of using animal models of disease in laboratory settings.