Discuss the major structures and functions of the brain, including the major methods of studying the brain.

You have to formulate an academic report here which would represent the essential features of the brain and nervous system such as central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, neurotransmitters, glial cells, etc.

Unit 8

You are required to write an academic report which demonstrates your understanding of the key aspects of the brain and the nervous system.

The report should be written using a recommended structure and format.

Conclusions and recommendations must stem from your findings, and you should also include a references list and bibliography.

This unit is graded; you will therefore be awarded with a Pass, Merit or Distinction once you have successfully achieved all of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Refer to the grid for the grade descriptors and indicators for Merit and Distinction.

Remember Whilst properly referenced content is fine and encouraged, any work that is not wholly your own effort has to be acknowledged as such and correctly referenced using the Harvard format.

You are required to write an academic report which demonstrates your understanding of the key aspects of the brain and the nervous system. Discuss the major structures and functions of the brain, including the major methods of studying the brain.

The content of your report will need to include the following two sections.

SECTION ONE
• Discuss the major structures and functions of the brain, including the major methods of studying the brain.
• Discuss the differences between the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, and the two branches of the autonomic system.

SECTION TWO
• Provide an analysis of the differences between glial cells and neurons in terms of their structure and function. Your analysis must include the process of communications between neurones.
• Discuss different neurotransmitters and the behaviours to which they are related.

GUIDANCE

The report should be a maximum of 1,500 words in length.

You could use diagrams or illustrations to support your commentary.

Relevant theory must be referenced where appropriate and a references list provided.

Assessment Criteria

• AC 11.1: Discuss the major methods of studying the brain.
• AC 11.2: Discuss the differences between the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system and the two branches of the autonomic system.
• AC 11.3: Discuss the major structures and functions of the brain.
• AC 21.1: Analyse differences between glial cells and neurons in terms of their structure and function.
• AC 21.2: Analyse the process of communications between neurons.
• AC 21.3: Discuss different neurotransmitters and the behaviours to which they are related.