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Description
Content:
This module will examine the importance of time and oscillations, in a range of biological situations. The central theme will be split between the circadian (鈥渄aily鈥�) clock and sleep. We will look at what is currently known about biological clock mechanisms.
Module Aims and Objectives
The objectives, to be achieved through lectures and reading of research papers, is to examine the mechanisms of biological clocks and sleep through a detailed study of the experimental evidence. Topics include: Introduction to circadian timing, The mammalian clock mechanism, The Drosophila clock mechanism, Clock entrainment and photoperiod, Hibernation and navigation, the Neurobiology of sleep, the Genetics of sleep, and Sleep functions.
This module is an option for students on Biosciences and Natural Sciences programmes and can be taken as an elective by students (including iBsc and affiliate students) on other degree programmes.
Teaching delivery:
The module is taught in two two-hour lecture slots per week for five weeks.
Indicative lecture topics:
- General introduction to circadian timing.
- The mammalian clock system. Circadian light detection.
- Drosophila clocks 鈥� history and mechanism.
- Clocks in unusual species and caves.
- Sleep Genetics
- Sleep Neurobiology
- Sleep Functions in Health
- Seasonality, photoperiodism.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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