MSci Biology / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Anatomy of the Special Sense Organs

Course unit fact file
Unit code BIOL21402
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 2
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

You will study the anatomy of the head and neck with a particular focus on the special sense organs; eyes, nose, tongue and ears.

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title Unit code Requirement type Description
Human Anatomy & Histology BIOL21291 Co-Requisite Compulsory
BIOL21402 Pre- & Co-requisites are BIOL21291

BIOL21402 Pre- & Co-requisites are BIOL21291

Aims

This unit focuses on the anatomy of the head and neck with a particular focus on the special sense organs. The aim is to provide students with a good foundation in these topic areas.

NOTE: Synchronous assessments will be carried out during the unit. These synchronous assessments cannot be rescheduled and you should avoid arranging any appointments or extracurricular activities on the dates of the assessments (the dates will be announced at the beginning of the course).

Learning outcomes

You will be able to:

  • Describe the anatomy of the skull, brain, cranial nerves and special sense organs
  • Explain the topological disposition and functional organisation of craniofacial organs
  • Explain the nerve and blood supply of craniofacial organs
  • Describe the neural pathways from/to the special sense organs
  • Understand the spatial arrangement and relations of the above structures

Syllabus

The course will include a series of lectures which are supplemented by a number of interactive sessions.

The following topics will be covered:

  • Overview of the brain and meninges
  • Overview of the cranial nerves
  • Anatomy of the skull
  • Anatomy of vision (layers of eyeball, extraocular muscles, retina)
  • Anatomy of taste (tongue and oral cavity)
  • Anatomy of smell (nose) and paranasal sinuses
  • Anatomy of hearing and balance (outer, middle, inner ear)
  • The neural pathways from/to the special senses

eLearning Content
There are four e-Learning nodes. These will reinforce the anatomy learned during the unit. The four nodes are on: brain, cranial nerves and skull; eyes and orbital cavity; nose and tongue; and outer, middle and inner ears.

Employability skills

Analytical skills
The ability to analyse anatomical/histological structures will be obtained through interactive teaching.
Group/team working
Examinations of models with colleagues in a small group.
Problem solving
Anatomical knowledge is assessed by the synchronous tests and essay exam.
Written communication
Essay question in examination.

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Other 45%
Written exam 55%
  • Written exam. You will write an essay in answer to 1 question (out of choice of 5); worth 55% of unit mark
  • 3 synchronous tests (each 30 minutes in total); each test is worth 15% of the unit mark

Feedback methods

Feedback will be given after completion of each of the e-Learning nodes. Oral feedback can be given during the face to face interactive sessions.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Assessment practical exam 1.5
Lectures 19
Practical classes & workshops 3.5
Independent study hours
Independent study 76

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Stefan Gabriel Unit coordinator

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