Module manager: Clare Tweedy
Email: C.Tweedy@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Biology, Chemistry or PE A level, or equivalent
| BMSC1200 | Biology of the Mind |
| BMSC1216 | Introduction to Pharmacology |
BMSC1200T, BMSC1216T
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Introductory Concepts in Neuroscience will introduce learners to the foundational neuroscience concepts of structure and function, and how systems level function emerges. These concepts will be explained using examples drawn from across the human nervous system in health and disease, and from the experimental approaches used in neuroscience research. Introductory Concepts in Pharmacology will introduce students to the foundational concepts underpinning pharmacology: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical pharmacology, and drug discovery and development. The concepts will be explained using examples drawn from different pharmacotherapies and disease states.
Learners should have a basic understanding of the neuroscience core concepts of structure and function, and how system level functions emerge from discrete cellular, circuit, and network-level mechanisms and interactions.
Introductory concepts in neuroscience aims to explain these concepts using examples drawn from the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, with deeper understanding developed through illustrating how they may be altered during development and pathology. The techniques used to study structure and function of the nervous system will also be used as examples throughout.
Learners should have a basic understanding of the pharmacology core concepts of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical pharmacology, and drug discovery and development.
Introductory pharmacology aims to provide students with an understanding of the science of drug action. To explain these concepts, examples will be drawn from drugs used to treat common diseases and conditions, with a deeper understanding developed through exploring individual concepts and sub-concepts in greater depth.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Explain the concepts of structure and function within the nervous system at the cellular, circuit, and network-level and how these can be measured experimentally.
2. Describe how structure and function of the nervous system can change during development and pathological dysfunction.
3. Explain the key principles of clinical pharmacology, including the core concepts of pharmacokinetics & pharmacodynamics.
4. Summarise how drugs are discovered and developed within the modern pharmaceutical industry.
5. Recall examples of drugs and how they can be used to treat and modify the pathophysiology of various common diseases and conditions.
On successful completion of the module students will:
- Apply problem solving skills to the integration of knowledge and communicate findings clearly.
To explain and promote understanding of the neuroscience core concepts of structure and function, and how system level functions emerge from discrete cellular, circuit, and network-level mechanisms and interactions, the following examples will be covered:
- Organisation and basic anatomy of the nervous system
- Techniques in neuroscience to study structure and function
- The resting potential and action potential
- Synaptic transmission, neurotransmitters, and their receptors
- Sensory and motor systems
- Higher cognitive function, learning, and memory
- Neurodegenerative diseases and mental health disorders
To explain and promote the four foundational concepts of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical pharmacology, and drug discovery and development which underpin pharmacology, the following examples will be covered:
- Pharmacokinetics (including quantitative pharmacokinetics): routes of administration; absorption; distribution; metabolism; excretion; elimination; and bioavailability
- Pharmacodynamics: drug targets, mechanism of action, affinity, concentration-response, drug efficacy, potency, selectivity, and tolerance.
- Pathophysiology and drug treatment of common acute and chronic diseases
- Principles of drug discovery and development
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 30 | 1 | 30 |
| Independent online learning hours | 20 | ||
| Private study hours | 150 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 30 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Further reading
Preparation for Assessment
Formative quizzes at the end of each unit to allow students to test their own understanding and for the module leader to provide additional resources in areas where the cohort show weakness. A workshop takes place after Easter where students will receive a practice question then mark their answer live in the session.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course Assessment | - | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1.0 Hrs Mins | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 07/05/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team