Module/Week 6
Neural Functions
Laboratory & Media Piece
Neural Functions Objective
Create media that accurately and simply conveys information about basic neural functions.
It can be useful to access the lecture information in the two online guides to complete this assignment.
Assignment (due Sunday on Canvas)
Neural Function
Nervous system functions like perception, memory, and even reflexes can be intricate and interesting. In this media piece you are creating media that accurately and simply conveys information about basic neural functions. Try representing the concepts in different ways within your completed piece. For example, a labeled illustration for neuron structure versus a table or written description of your olfaction/novel scent results.
Include in your media piece:
- An illustration of the basic structure of neurons, including how they connect, where the neurotransmitters are located, and factors that can impact axons and/or synapses.
- A demonstration of a neural circuit in action, it can be reaction time and/or a reflex reaction.
- A map of the lobes of the cerebral cortex (cerebrum), including the primary role(s) of each lobe.
- Brief and clear descriptions of two brain disorders.
- A description of what perception is using vision (or another sense) as an example, and how illusions (optical, or auditory, etc.) can result in miss-perception.
- A personal hedonic rating and memory response to unidentified scents. Note: if you are unable to smell due to seasonal allergies, etc.; an alternate to this is provided below.
Alternate to #6 (olfaction test)
This scent memory demo demonstrates the hedonic scale you will be using in this guide’s media piece.
If you are not able to use the scents in lab this week, this is an alternate way to successfully make that portion of the media piece
First, select a sensation that you have not experienced before. It could be a new combination of tastes, a new scent, trying a type of music, making a new mix of textures, etc.
- Provide a description of the experience.
- Rate your novel sensory experience using the hedonic scale (above video).
- State whether the sensory experience triggered any memories, and describe, if possible.
Note: Exercise safety in your selection and execution of this media piece.
Media Directions
Submitted to Canvas.
Upload your media piece to Canvas. Your single file can be submitted as a PDF, a word document, a website link, or even a video. Multiple assignment formats are supported.
Learn more about this Module’s Topics
If you would like to learn more about the topics introduced in this course, please visit the resources page.
Campus HumanBio Home
Course Overview
This week’s module
Nervous System
